Baccharis trimera (carqueja) promotes gastroprotection on ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer.

Abstract

One of the factors that can promote gastric ulcer is the acute and/or chronic consumption of ethanol. One of the most used therapeutic measures is the use of proton pump inhibitor, like omeprazole. However, these drugs have several side efects, making it necessary to search for new alternatives. To investigate the gastroprotective efect of Baccharis trimera (carqueja) we used an ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer model. For this, gastric ulcer was induced in rats using absolute ethanol for 2 consecutive days. After analysis of the stomach, an increase in oxidative stress was observed, as well as the reduction of the antioxidant defense. In addition, we observed in histology that there was an increase in infammatory cells, necrosis, hemorrhage and hyperemia. Treatment with B. trimera was able to decrease oxidative damage as well as improve antioxidant defense. There was also a decrease in infammation, collagen area and hemorrhage. All the benefcial efects promoted by carqueja were similar to those found by the positive controls used in our study (vitamin C and omeprazole). Analyzing our data, we can conclude that B. trimera presents a gastroprotective efect and should be further studied for its application in gastric ulcer therapy.