ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous extracts of Fenugreek seeds (FSAE) and Alpinia (AAE) on ethanol-induced stomach ulcers in rats. For five weeks, thirty male rats weighing 150 -170 gram. Then, divided into two major groups. The first one included five rats were fed a basal diet as part of a normal control group (negative group). To induce stomach lesions, twenty-five rats in the second group were fasted overnight and subsequently administered a single oral dose of 5 ml per kg of ethanol. These groups were split into 5 subgroups, as follow: (G 2:positive control group, which was not given any treatment and was given the basal diet, G 3: Rats given the basal diet, besides 250 ml/kg/daily of FSAE orally, G 4: Rats given the basal diet, in addition to 500 ml/kg/daily of FSAE orally, G 5: Rats given the basal diet, in addition to 250 ml/kg/daily of AAE orally: and G 6: Rats given the basal diet, in addition to 500 ml/kg/daily of AAE orally. Histological examinations, chemical assays, and biochemical assessments were conducted on both serum and gastrointestinal mucosa samples. The results revealed that the overall antioxidant capacity of FSAE was notably greater than that of AAE. However, there were no observable differences in the overall levels of flavonoids and phenols between FSAE and AAE.When compared to the positive control group, serum levels of AST, ALT, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were significantly lower in all groups that received support from FSAE (250 and 500 ml/kg) and AAE (250 and 500 ml/kg). For G6 and G4, respectively, the best findings were obtained. The study found that groups with varying percentages of FSAE and AAE had higher serum levels of GSH, GPX, SOD, and PH, but lower levels of MDA and MPO.The G6 achieved the best outcomes. Various FSAE and AAE treatments significantly increased stomach mucosa GSH, GPX, SOD, and PH levels, while MDA and MPO levels decreased in all groups compared to the untreated group.Compared to the positive control group, all groups receiving diets supplemented with different proportions of FSAE and AAE exhibited significant enhancements in stomach histopathology. Among these, G6 demonstrated the most favorable outcomes. Consequently, this study recommends the utilization of Alpinia aqueous extract as a potent agent for gastric protection. It also suggests its therapeutic potential in managing gastrointestinal disorders linked with oxidative stress and inflammation, especially in the prevention and treatment of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers.