Effect of Rhodiola rosea Root Extract on Stress-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Stress can lead to stomach ulcers. Oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of stress ulcers. Rhodiola rosea root extract (RRE) has antistress, anxiolytic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the effect of RRE on gastric ulcers induced by forced immobilization method (FIM) was investigated. Albino Wistar male rats were divided into healthy (HG), control (SC), stress+RRE (SRE) and stress+famotidine (SFM) groups. RRE was given to the rats’ SRE group, and famotidine to the SFM group was administered orally. One hour after, the animals in the SRE, SFM and SC groups were subjected to stress with FIM for one hour once a day. This procedure continued for seven days. After this period, the animals were euthanized. Stomach tissues were examined macroscopically and biochemically. RRE reduced the number and area of stress-induced ulcers and biochemical changes in the gastric tissues of animals better than famotidine. © 2022, Colegio de Farmaceuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. All rights reserved.