Protective effect of an aqueous extract of Hedera helix (English ivy) on indomethacin-induced ulceration in mice

Year 2025, Volume: 29 Issue: 1, 378 - 383

Hebah Majed Hamood Aya F. Al-qrimli Hadeel Yousif Noori

Abstract

The most common cause of stomach ulcer illness affecting people globally is the long-term usage of anti
inflammatory medicines. Synthetic antiulcer treatments like antacids, cytoprotective drugs, and antibiotics have negative
effects like ulcer recurrence and poor healing, imposing financial strain on patients and public health systems. Therefore,
there is an urgent demand for non-toxic, easily accessible antiulcer medication. The current study sought to assess the
gastroprotective properties of Hedera helix (English ivy) extract against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in mice.
Forty male mice weighing between 25 and 30 grams were split up into four groups, each with ten mice. One group
served as a control, and the other three received oral doses to produce various types of stomach ulcers, and treatments
were applied. The stomach contents were collected for analysis. The acid output and ulcer content were determined.
Compared to the indomethacin-induced ulcer group, the Hedera helix extract significantly (p <0.05) lowered the gastric
ulcer index and improved the stomach acid volume, acidity, and pH as well as the malondialdehyde (MDA) and
superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Hedera helix extract reduces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, which may have
therapeutic benefits in stomach injuries caused by indomethacin which indicate that Hedera helix extract have the ability
to reduce indomethacin's adverse effects on the stomach and possibility of using it as a potential treatment to prevent
ulceration and also as a potent antioxidant.

Keywords

Peptic ulcer, Indomethacin, English ivy, Hedera helix

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