Evaluation of gastroprotective role of alpha-tocopherol in indomethacin induced peptic ulcer in albino rats

Background: Oxidative free radicals induce gastric injury in animal models of peptic ulcer. Hence antioxidants may provide gastroprotection. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the gastroprotective role of antioxidant alpha-tocopherol in indomethacin induced gastric ulceration in albino rats. Materials and methods: Animals were divided into 3 groups (n=6), group I (control which received distilled water), group II (alpha-tocopherol 12.5 mg/kg) and group III (omeprazole 3.6 mg/kg). Each group received the corresponding drug orally for 5 days. On fifth day, animals were administered indomethacin 20 mg/kg orally to induce ulceration. After 4 hours, animals were sacrificed and their stomachs were studied for ulceration, adherent mucin content, and ulcer index was calculated. The results of alpha-tocopherol were compared with those of control and omeprazole treated groups, and data was analyzed manually using Student ‘t’ test. A p value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Alpha-tocopherol administration reduced ulceration and ulcer index compared to control group (tcal 5.2 > ttab2.23 at 5% level of significance, p < 0.05). Omeprazole treatment also reduced ulcer index and ulceration in comparisonto control group (tcal 6.2 > ttab 3.16 at 1% level of significance, p < 0.01). Thus results of test drug were similar to omeprazole treated group. Conclusion: Alpha-tocopherol treatment provides gastroprotection in indomethacin induced gastric ulceration