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ABSTRACT
Peptic ulcers are chronic conditions that impair quality of life and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This research aimed to examine the histological anti-ulcer effects of Pax herbal noma solution on diclofenac-induced gastric ulcers in albino rats. Sixteen healthy albino rats weighing 150-180g and aged 4-7 weeks were used for inducing experimental gastric ulcers. The animals were procured from the Animal House of the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin, and kept under standard conditions with unrestricted access to feed and water ad libitum. The rats were divided into four groups of four rats each. Group I served as the control, fed pelleted feed and water for 14 consecutive days. Group II was the diclofenac sodium-induced positive control, administered 30mg/kg body weight diclofenac sodium orally along with feed and water ad libitum for 14 days. Group III was the low-dose Pax herbal group, administered 10mg/kg Pax herbal noma solution and 30mg/kg diclofenac sodium orally simultaneously, along with feed and water ad libitum for 14 days. Group IV was the high-dose Pax herbal group, administered 15mg/kg Pax herbal noma solution and 30mg/kg diclofenac sodium orally simultaneously, along with feed and water ad libitum for 14 days. On the last day, the animals were sacrificed, and their stomachs were excised, washed with normal saline, and fixed in 5% formalin solution. Hematoxylin and eosin staining techniques were employed, and samples were examined under a light microscope. Results revealed normal cellular architecture in the control group's gastric submucosa. The diclofenac sodium group showed increased chronic inflammatory cell infiltration at the muscularis mucosae and submucosa junction. The low-dose Pax herbal group exhibited gland destruction and diffuse inflammation within the muscularis propria. The high-dose Pax herbal group showed increased elongated and tortuous gland population, gland restoration, and mild to moderate mononuclear infiltrates. The findings suggest compelling evidence for the potential gastroprotective effects of high-dose Pax herbal bitters on diclofenac-induced gastric ulcers, supporting its anti-ulcer effects claimed by the manufacturer. Pax herbal bitters may offer a safer alternative to traditional herbal ulcer treatment with fewer side effects.
