Abstract

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF FEW SELECTED ANTIOXIDANTS, VITAMINS AND MINERALS IN HYPOTHERMIC RESTRAINT STRESS INDUCED ULCERS IN RATS.

Darshan Shah*, Nitin M. and A. Srinivasa Rao

ABSTRACT

In present investigation the protective effect of few selected antioxidants, vitamins and minerals against hypothermic restraint stress Induced ulcers in rats were studied. Ulceration was induced by immobilizing the animals in a closed cylindrical cage maintained at 4◦C. Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing between 180 – 220 g were divided into 9 groups of 6 animals each. Rats in group 3 were pretreated with S- omeprazole (reference standard drug) and Group 4 to 9 received test substances respectively, two antioxidants (Vitamin E and L- Cystine) two vitamins (Thiamin and Niacinamide) & two minerals (Iron and Zinc) for 5 days. Various parameters like the volume and pH of gastric juice, total acidity, ulcer index, percentage protection and histopathology of stomach epithelium was observed. All test group’s antioxidants (Vitamin E and L- Cystine) & vitamins (Thiamin and Niacinamide) & minerals (Iron and Zinc) show antiulcer effects. The antiulcer effects of antioxidants (Vitamin E and L- Cystine) is nearly significant with standard drug S-omeprazole and more significant than vitamins (Thiamin and Niacinamide) & minerals (Iron and Zinc) when compared with disease control group. Vitamin E, Thiamin and Iron is more significant than L- Cystine, Niacinamide and Zinc respectively. The available data in this study suggest that all test substances proved to capable of improving stress induced ulceration and further studies are required to identify mechanisms.

Keywords: Hypothermic, S-omeprazole, Antioxidants, Vitamins, Minerals and Stress etc.