Abstract

Serif M.S, Biraz V.S and Vitro F.A

The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) root decoction vs. omeprazole and misoprostol for the treatment of aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Animals were randomly assigned first to the “prophylaxis” and “treatment” groups and then to the test and the control groups. Liquorice decoction (25 ml/kg; i.g.); omeprazole (2.3 mg/kg; i.p.) and misoprostol (50 g/kg; i.g.) were administered for 3 consecutive days 30 min before aspirin (200 mg/kg, i.g.) administration, in the prophylaxis group. In the treatment group, aspirin (200 mg/kg, i.g.) was administered for 3 consecutive days, and then other drugs were administered at the same doses as the prophylaxis group daily for 4 weeks. According to histopathologic evaluation, misoprostol showed significant protection; however, liquorice decoction and omeprazole failed to protect. In the treatment group histopathological examinations showed no significant difference among liquorice decoction, misoprostol and omeprazole regarding aspirin-induced ulcer treatment; ulcers in all treatment groups were completely cured. The results of this study suggest that Glycyrrhiza glabra can be used for the treatment of NSAID-induced ulcers as an inexpensive alternative to misoprostol and omeprazole