Anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects of Fagonia bruguieri var. laxa (Zygophyllaceae) via attenuating biochemical alterations and cellular damage in experimental animals

The current study aims to authenticate the traditional usage of Fagonia bruguieri var. laxa in eczema, ulcers, and gastrointestinal diseases.

Fagonia bruguieri var. laxa. was collected, washed, dried, and ground, and its 70% aqueous methanolic solution was subjected to a rotary evaporator to produce the crude extract of the plant. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed to validate the presence of secondary metabolites. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed using the Carrageenan-induced paw edema test, and the anti-peptic ulcer activity was assessed using the Aspirin-induced gastric lesion/ulcer and Cysteamine-induced duodenal lesion/ulcer models in Wistar albino rats. At the end of the experiment, total acidity, ulcer index, biochemical markers, and histological changes were assessed.

The crude extract of Fagonia bruguieri var. laxa. (Fb.Cr) reduced rat paw edema significantly (P < 0.001) by the fifth hour, with a maximum percent inhibition of 30.6%. In an aspirin-induced gastric lesion model, Fb.Cr was observed to improve pH, decrease overall acidity of stomach contents, and reduce ulcer index at dosages ranging from 100 to 500 mg/kg. In the Cysteamine-induced duodenal lesion model, Fb.Cr was found to reduce the severity score and ulcer index in a dose-dependent manner. The acute toxicity investigation determined that crude extract was safe up to the dose of 5 g/kg.

The current study’s findings show that the crude extract of Fagonia bruguieri (Fb.Cr) has anti-inflammatory, gastric, and duodenal protective actions, which support its folkloric use in the management and treatment of inflammation and gastric disorders.