Gastroprotective and Ulcer Healing Effects of Lonchocarpus sericeus Seed Extract in Rodents

Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) Kunth ex DC., Fabaceae, is traditionally used to treat stomach disorders and constipation. Previous studies examined its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and hepatoprotective properties, but its potential as a gastroprotective agent remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective and gastric healing effects of the hexane extract of L. sericeus seeds and assess its acute toxicity. Gas chromatography revealed that the hexane extract contains eight fatty acids, with oleic acid, palmitic acid, and behenic acid being the most abundant. In mice, L. sericeus extract (0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced gastric lesions induced by ethanol, while a seven-day treatment with the extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced lesion area and volume in acetic acid-induced gastric lesions in rats. The extract demonstrated an antioxidant effect in both models. The gastroprotective effect of the extract on ethanol-induced gastric lesions involved the inhibition of signaling pathways related to the stimulation of endogenous prostaglandins and nitric oxide and the activation of TRPV1 receptors but not potassium channels. The extract also protected against ethanol-induced depletion of gastric wall mucus and reduced gastric secretory volume and acidity, while increasing pH in pylorus-ligated mice. Gastric histological analysis revealed that the extract promotes reepithelialization and reduces hemorrhage and inflammation. In conclusion, L. sericeus extract exhibited gastroprotective effects against ethanol- and acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers, likely due to its antioxidant activity, preservation of gastric mucus, regulation of prostaglandins and nitric oxide release, TRPV1 receptors activation, and antisecretory activity, with no observed toxicity.