Indomethacin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (
NSAIDs), induced gastric damage and perforation through the excess generation of
reactive oxygen species (ROS). Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels is commonly used as a medicinal plant and is claimed to have
antioxidant activities. The effects of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels aqueous extract (SCC) on antifree radical, anti-
inflammation, and antiulcer of SCC on
indomethacin induced acute gastric ulceration were determined in our study. Scavenging activity at 50% of SCC is higher than
ascorbic acid in in vitro study. Mice treated with
indomethacin revealed mucosal hemorrhagic lesion and inhibited mucus content. Pretreatment with SCC caused discernible decrease in
indomethacin induced gastric lesion and
lipid peroxide content. In addition,
oxidized glutathione (
GSSG),
glutathione peroxidase (GPx),
nitric oxide (NO) levels, and gastric wall mucus were restored on acute treated mice model.
Indomethacin induced
inflammation by activated
inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and
tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) proinflammatory
cytokines to release large amount of ROS/RNS which were ameliorated in mice pretreatment with SCC. SCC showed restoration of the imbalance of oxidative damage leading to amelioration of
cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX). In conclusion, SCC acts as an
antioxidant, anti-
inflammation, and antiulcer against
indomethacin.