Gastroprotective Effects of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Ethanolic Extract Against Aspirin-Induced Gastric Ulcer: Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Mediators, and EGFR Signaling in Rats

Abstract

Aspirin-induced gastric ulcer represents a significant clinical challenge involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired mucosal repair. This study evaluated the gastroprotective efficacy of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) ethanolic extract compared with omeprazole in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): negative control, ulcer-induced untreated, ulcer+omeprazole (20 mg/kg), and ulcer+P. oleracea extract (100 mg/kg). A gastric ulcer was induced with oral aspirin (100 mg/kg), followed by a 30-day treatment. Oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and hematological parameters were quantified. Aspirin administration significantly decreased SOD activity by 26% (1.87 ± 0.05 vs. 2.51±0.01 ng/mL, p≤0.05), CAT by 39% (51.60±7.68 vs. 84.19 ± 3.13 U/mL, p≤0.05), and EGFR by 45% (50.29 ± 1.86 vs. 90.96 ± 10.64 pg/mL, p≤0.05) compared to controls. Conversely, MDA increased by 50% (776.81 ± 18.6 vs. 516.76 ± 38.2 ng/mL, p≤0.05), TNF-α increased by 106% (139.36 ± 14.1 vs. 67.77 ± 5.13 pg/mL, p≤0.05), IL-6 increased by 229% (148.43 ± 5.6 vs. 45.12 ± 0.93 pg/mL, p≤0.05), and WBC count increased by 19% (13.85±  1.08 vs. 11.66 ± 2.62 ×10³/µL, p≤0.05). P. oleracea treatment restored SOD by 44% above ulcer values (2.70±0.03 ng/mL, exceeding control), normalized GSH (50.33 ± 0.06 µg/mL), reduced MDA by 23% (601.70 ± 4.27 ng/mL), decreased TNF-α by 55% (63.02 ± 5.26 pg/mL, approaching control), reduced IL-6 by 58% (62.64 ± 2.57 pg/mL), and increased EGFR by 97% (98.94 ± 5.32 pg/mL, surpassing control) relative to ulcer group. Notably, P. oleracea demonstrated superior effects compared with omeprazole in restoring GSH levels, reducing MDA, and attenuating inflammatory cytokines. These findings demonstrate that P. oleracea exerts comprehensive gastroprotective activity through synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and EGFR-mediated regenerative mechanisms, suggesting potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for NSAID-induced gastric ulceration.