Abstract
Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a prevalent health concern. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor blockers, prostaglandin analogs, etc., are available as anti-ulcer agents, they have their own limitations. The clinical assessment of these medications revealed adverse effects, relapse frequency, and tolerance development, raising doubts about their effectiveness. Thus, there is a need to search for newer synthetic and herbal formulations that have fewer side effects and improved efficacy. Emblica officinalis (EO) or amla has shown to have antioxidant and antisecretory properties; hence, it was chosen for the study.

Aims and Objectives: (1) The aim of this study was to screen the anti-ulcer activity of EO aqueous fruit extract in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced peptic ulcer models of albino rats and (2) to compare the anti-ulcer effect of EO aqueous fruit extract with the standard drug omeprazole.

Materials and Methods: Four groups comprising six albino rats each were formed. Group 1 (the control) received distilled water, followed by indomethacin 25 mg/kg orally. Group 2 (standard) received omeprazole 10 mg/kg, followed by indomethacin 25 mg/kg. Groups 3 and 4 received the aqueous extract of EO in 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses, respectively, followed by indomethacin at 25 mg/kg. After 1 h of indomethacin administration, the stomach was examined for ulceration. The severity score was determined to calculate the ulcer index (UI) and percentage inhibition. The results were analyzed statistically using the Mann–Whitney U-test (SPSS software version 22).

Results: In the screening model mentioned above, the test agent at dosages of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant decrease in total severity score, UI, and percentage inhibition as compared to the control group. The comparison of the results of the standard drug omeprazole with those of the test groups was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion: The gastroprotective activity of amla (EO) may be due to its antioxidant and antisecretory properties. This study proves the gastroprotective action of EO.

Key words: Albino Rats; Embilca Officinalis; Indomethacin; Peptic Ulcer Model; Omeprazole