Anti-ulcer Activity of Berberine Isolated from Berberis aristata in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder associated with
excessive gastric acid secretion, oxidative stress, Helicobacter pylori infection, alcohol
consumption, and prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbal
compounds possessing antioxidant and cytoprotective properties have gained attention as
safer alternatives for ulcer management. The present study investigated the anti-ulcer
activity of berberine isolated from Berberis aristata using an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer
model in Wistar albino rats. Acute oral toxicity studies were conducted according to OECD
guideline 425, and berberine was found to be safe at the selected dose range. Animals were
divided into five groups consisting of normal control, ethanol control, standard treatment
with omeprazole (20 mg/kg), berberine low dose (50 mg/kg), and berberine high dose (100
mg/kg). Gastric parameters including ulcer index, percentage ulcer inhibition, gastric
volume, gastric pH, and total acidity were evaluated. Histopathological examination of
gastric tissues was also performed. Berberine treatment significantly reduced ulcer index
and gastric acidity while improving gastric pH and mucosal integrity compared with the
ethanol control group. The high-dose berberine group showed gastroprotective activity
comparable to omeprazole. Histopathological findings further confirmed reduced mucosal
erosion and inflammation in berberine-treated animals. The study demonstrates that
berberine possesses significant anti-ulcer activity, possibly mediated through antioxidant
and cytoprotective mechanisms.