Treatment effects of Shilajit on aspirin ‐induced gastric lesions in rats

This study demonstrated that Shilajit extract can alleviate aspirin ‐induced gastric mucosal damage by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, it can be used as a gastric mucosal protective agent. AbstractThe present study investigated the effects of Shilajit extract on aspirin ‐induced gastric lesions in rats. We evaluated macroscopic and histopathological lesions in the stomach, measured the activity of oxidative stress enzymes in gastric tissue homogenates, and assessed serum electrolytes and parameters of kidney and liver function. Forty‐five male rats were allocat ed to five groups: Normal control, positive control, omeprazole treatment, Shilajit treatment, and Shilajit control. The treatment period lasted for four consecutive days. The size and number of gastric lesions were significantly reduced in the Shilajit and omeprazole groups compared to the positive control group, indicating a reduction in mucosal damage and the severity of edema and leukocyte infiltration in tissue sections. A significant increase was observed in the levels of all oxidative stress parameters, except malondialdehyde, in rats treated with Shilajit and omeprazole compared to tho se in the positive control group. The effect of the aqueous extract of Shilajit was comparable to that of omeprazole. These results indicated the protective effects of Shilajit against aspirin‐induced gastric lesions.
Source: Physiological Reports - Category: Physiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research