Cochlospermum regium (Mart. ex Schrank) Pilg.: Evaluation of chemical profile, gastroprotective activity and mechanism of action of hydroethanolic extract of its xylopodium in acute and chronic experimental models

Cochlospermum regium (Bixaceae) is a native shrub of Brazil and its xylopodium (infusion/decoction) is being used for the treatment of gastritis, ulcers, arthritis, intestinal infections, gynaecological infections, skin diseases, among others. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the gastroprotective/antiulcer activity and the mechanism of action of hydroethanolic extract of C. regium xylopodium (HECr), using in vitro and in vivo models. Additionally, phytochemical constituents were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). C. regium xylopodium was macerated with ethanol/water to obtain the HECr. The phytochemical characterisation was carried out by HPLC. The antiulcer efficacy of HECr (25, 100 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated using acute acidified ethanol (HCl/EtOH), piroxicam and water immersion-induced experimental ulcer models. Chronic gastric ulcer healing activity of HECr was evaluated through acetic acid (99.8%) – induced model. Histological analysis and myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) activities were also evaluated in chronic ulcer induced gastric tissues. The plausible mode of action of the HECr was assessed by estimation of gastric wall mucus production and the role of gastric secretion in pylorus ligature. The animals were also pre-treated with various inhibitors which includes indomethacin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, glibenclamide, a ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K+ATP) blocker (5 mg/kg, p.o.) or yohimbine (2 mg/kg, i.p.), an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist. In vitro, Helicobacter pylori action was done by broth microdilution method. The HPLC analysis data revealed the presence of gallic acid, rutin, myricetin, morin and kaempferol. HECr promoted protective effect against acute ulcers induced by HCl/EtOH with inhibitions of 47.52% (p