Gastroprotective effect of Arabincoside B isolated from Caralluma arabica against ethanol-induced gastric injury via modulating oxidative stress/SP/NK-1R/NF-κB loop

Gastric ulcer is a common gastrointestinal condition. Arabincoside B (AR-B), a pregnane glycoside isolated from the aerial parts of Caralluma arabica, shows multiple pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective therapeutic effects of AR-B in ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. Rats were divided as follows: Group I (NC): received 1 mL/day of normal saline; Group II (PC): received distilled water then 95% ethanol (1 mL per rat) after 1 h; Group III (FAM): received oral famotidine (20 mg/kg); Groups IV and V (AR-B groups): received 25 and 50 mg/kg of AR-B, respectively. Treatments (FAM or AR-B) were administered 1 h prior to ethanol. The rats were killed after 1 h after ethanol administration. Gross inspections as well as histopathological assessment of stomach tissues of untreated ethanol-only treated rats revealed major alterations as compared to those of normal rats. Pretreatment with AR-B showed enhancement in the gross and histological alterations. Moreover, AR-B at the dose of (50 mg/kg) possessed superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This was confirmed by a significant lowering of the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels, decreasing p-NF-κB gastric expression, decreasing MDA, and increasing GSH gastric levels. Furthermore, AR-B caused a significant increase in TFF-2 and MUC-6 stomach tissue expression, preserving the gastric mucosa. In addition, gastric expression of substance P and NK-1R was decreased, which participated in the reduction of inflammation. The current research highlights the gastroprotective impact of AR-B especially at a dose of (50 mg/kg), suggesting its future role in preventing recurrence in peptic ulcer patients.