The anti ulcerogenic effect of sildenafil and moringa on ulcers in rats

Background: Moringa and Sildenafil oleifera (MO) have been shown to mitigate the ulcerogenic effects of medications that induce ulcers in rats.

Objective: the goal of This research is to assess the combined protective effects of Sildenafil citrate and the Indian herb Moringa oleifera against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

Materials and methods: Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by oral administration of indomethacin. Forty-eight rats were randomly distributed into six groups: Group 1 (control); Group 2 (indomethacin 60 mg/kg); Group 3 (sildenafil 50 mg/kg prior to indomethacin); Group 4 (Moringa leaf powder 200 mg/kg prior to indomethacin); Group 5 (both sildenafil and Moringa prior to indomethacin); and Group 6 (omeprazole prior to indomethacin).

Results: Indomethacin significantly increased gastric mucosal ulceration in comparison to the control group. Rats in the indomethacin group exhibited elevated levels of Caspase 3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA), while nitric oxide (NO) levels were reduced. Pretreatment with omeprazole resulted in a reduction of MDA, TNF-α, and Caspase 3 levels, but had no effect on NO levels. Pretreatment with sildenafil and/or Moringa significantly impacting the ulcer scores and make it less, increased NO levels, and decreased tissue MDA and TNF-α levels.

Conclusion: The study concludes that Sildenafil and Moringa oleifera exhibit gastroprotective effects in experimentally induced gastric ulcer models in rats.