Investigating Gastroprotective Potential of Liquisolid Curcumin against the Role of Endogenous Aggressive Factors and Oxidative Stress Markers

Background: The study investigated the efficacy of Liquisolid Curcumin (LSC) over curcumin for gastroprotective action against ethanol induced acute gastric ulcers and the modulation of endogenous oxidative stress markers, in Wistar rats (p.o). Materials and Methods: The experimental design comprised of six groups namely control (Treated with 0.1% w/v CMC), disease control (Treated with absolute ethanol), positive control (Treated with omeprazole; 40 mg/Kg), Test–1 (Treated with curcumin; 50 mg/Kg); and Test- 2 and 3 groups treated with LSC equivalent to 25 and 50 mg/Kg, respectively. Gastroprotection was assessed by ulcer index, total acid and gastric mucus. The oxidative stress markers estimated were malondialdehyde (MDA), tissue Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismustase (SOD). Results: Oral administration of LSC caused significant (P<0.01) reduction in gastric lesions in dose dependent manner. The total acidity lowering effect and protective effect on mucus layer was more than curcumin and comparable to omeprazole under the test conditions. Additionally, the LSC significantly increased the activity/levels of GSH, CAT and SOD and suppressed the MDA level in gastric mucosa (P<0.05). Histological studies demonstrated superior morphological integrity of gastric mucosa via LSC. Conclusion: LSC demonstrated superior gastroprotection via suppression of gastric acid, restoration of free radical scavenging enzymes and reduction in the lipid peroxidase production in comparison to curcumin.