Antiulcer Effect of Mammalian Lignan Precursors from Flaxseed

Abstract

The antiulcer potential of the crude extract of lignans from flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum. Linn, Linaceae) was evaluated and compared against β -carotene in NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in the Wistar rat model. The isolated stomach tissue was studied for percentage ulcer index and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. The crude extract of lignans exhibited significant protection and better recovery (p < 0.05) against ulcer formation as well as in GSH content maintenance. Further, the antiulcer effect of the crude extract of lignans was comparable with that of standard β -carotene.

Keywords:

• Antiulcer activity
• flaxseed lignans
• NSAID
• reduced glutathione
• ulcer index