The protective effect of Aspalathus linearis against the experimental gastric ulcer induced by ethanol in rats

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Aspalathus linearis on the expression levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and their ability to present antigens to CD8, CD68, and T cells in an experimental rat model of gastritis. Furthermore, changes in tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNF–α), myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels due to the antioxidant properties of the plant were evaluated. The study included 24 female Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). A. linearis was administered to the treatment groups of an ethanol–induced gastritis rat model via oral gavage for 5 days the blood and stomach tissues were sampled for analysis. Biochemical evaluation revealed that TNF–α and myeloperoxidase levels decreased and superoxide dismutase activity increased in the A. linearis–treated groups compared with the ethanol–treated group. Histochemical evaluation revealed that the severity of inflammation decreased in the rats with gastritis treated with A. linearis. In addition, the number of cells expressing CD8 and CD68 decreased. The number of MHC–II immunopositive cells was higher in the A. linearis–treated group compared with the control and other treatment groups. A. linearis exhibits a protective effect on gastric mucosa by reducing the severity of oxidative stress owing to its antioxidant, anti–inflammatory, and antiapopitotic properties.