Isolation, characterization, and gastroprotective effects of lycopene against key enzymes involved in acidity activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Plant pigments have been widely used as food additives due to their health-promoting properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective potential of lycopene (LP) against stomach ulcers. The purity of LP was confirmed through ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analyses. LP was administered orally via gastric gavage at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric ulceration, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Results demonstrated that LP ingestion suppressed the activities of mucosa gastric (GM) ATPase activity and gastric juice (GJ) pepsin in a dose-dependent manner, with inhibitory effects of 36 and 64 % ( p = 0.04; p = 0.007), respectively, at the highest dose (200 mg/kg BW). Furthermore, LP consumption significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) and thiol group levels by 98 and 187 % ( p = 0.004; p = 0.002), respectively. LP administration also reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity by 56 % ( p = 0.009) and CRP level by 75 % ( p = 0.005) and decreased markers of oxidative damage as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (PCs), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by 64, 58, and 67 %, respectively ( p = 0.04; p = 0.02; p = 0.07). Additionally, LP treatment decreased gastric ulcer area (GUA) and gastric juice volume (GJV) by 55 % and 58.8 % ( p = 0.004; p = 0.003), respectively, while increasing GM content, GJ mucin and curative score (CS) by 181, 182 and 76 % ( p = 0.002; p = 0.002; p = 0.01). LP also enhanced gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit ( p = 0.02; p = 0.04). These therapeutic effects were induced following the co-administration of LP and omeprazole (Opz). These findings confirm that LP, a natural red carotenoid pigment with promising applications as a dietary supplement or natural food colorant, provides significant protection against gastric lesions. • For the first time , this study demonstrates that LP. • Effectively inhibits key inflammatory enzymes, including MPO and 5-LO. • Modulates H + /K + -ATPase activity, providing significant protection against ulcers. • Protects gastric juice from oxidative stress. • Effectively prevents gastric ulceration. • Promotes gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit.