EFFECT OF PRUNUS DULCIS ON EPITHELIAL DAMAGE CAUSED BY NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-IFLAMMATORY DRUGS

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of Prunus dulcis on gastric epithelium affected by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Study Design: Laboratory based experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Anatomy Department, Army Medical College Rawalpindi, in collaboration with National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, from Jan 2015 to Dec 2015.

Methodology: Forty healthy adult male and female (BALB/c strain) mice, 9-11 weeks age, weighting 30-40gm were used in the experiment and were kept in standard conditions in animal house. Animals were divided into four equal groups. Group A served as control, whereas group B, C and D served as experimental groups. Animals in all groups were given standard lab diet for 60 days. In addition to standard lab diet, experimental groups C and D were given almond oil (extracted without peel of almonds) and finely ground almonds (with peel), respectively, via oral gavage once a day for 60 days. At 60th day, 400 mg/kg of ASA solution was given, via oral gavage needle, to induce gastric ulcers in animals of experimental groups B, C and D. Type of epithelium and height of epithelium were assessed under Light Microscope.

Results: Height and type of epithelium improved in experimental groups C and D on intergroup comparison. Whereas group D showed improved protection as compared to group C.

Conclusion: Prunus dulcis provides protection, to gastric epithelium, against gastric ulcers induced by non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. In addition, finely granular almonds provided better protective outcome in comparison with almond oil.