Gastroprotective and Haematological Effects of Chromolaena Odorata Leaf Extract Against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Injury in Albino Rats

Peptic ulcer disease remains an important gastrointestinal disorder, and acute ethanol exposure is widely used experimentally to produce gastric mucosal injury. This study evaluated the gastroprotective and haematological effects of Chromolaena odorata leaf extract against ethanol-induced gastric injury in adult albino rats. Thirty rats were allocated to six groups (n = 5): normal control, ulcer control, omeprazole (20 mg/kg), and C. odorata extract at 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg. The extract or omeprazole was administered 30 minutes before oral administration of 96% ethanol (10 ml/kg) to Groups 2-6; animals were sacrificed 2 hours after ethanol administration. Haematological, gastric biochemical, macroscopic, and histopathological outcomes were assessed. The ulcer control showed higher RBC (7.61±0.31 ×10⁶/mm³), PCV (46.80±1.30%), Hb (17.14±0.62 g/dl), WBC (13.08±1.65 ×10³/mm³), and platelet count (253.0±6.58 ×10³/mm³) than the normal control. Pretreatment with C. odorata generally shifted these indices toward normal values, with the 800 mg/kg group recording RBC 6.96±0.22 ×10⁶/mm³, PCV 44.20±0.84%, WBC 9.81±0.43 ×10³/mm³, and platelets 239.80±3.11 ×10³/mm³. The extract also increased gastric mucus, reduced pepsin activity and total acidity, and preserved gastric histo-architecture compared with the ulcer control. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post-hoc testing was used, with significance set at p<0.05. These findings indicate an acute gastroprotective effect of C. odorata pretreatment against ethanol-induced gastric injury; they do not establish therapeutic efficacy in an established ulcer or long-term safety.

Chromolaena odorata; gastroprotection; ethanol-induced gastric injury

1. Anyanwu, S., Inyang, I. J., Asemota, E. A., Obioma, O. O., Okpokam, D. C., & Agu, V. O. (2017). Effect of ethanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata on the kidneys and intestines of healthy albino rats. Integrative Medicine Research, 6(3), 292-299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2017.06.004 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ikewuchi, C. C., Ikewuchi, J. C., Ifeanacho, M. O., Jack, D. P., Ikpe, C. N., Ehiosun, S., & Ajayi, T. B. (2021). Protective effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens on doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Porto Biomedical Journal, 6(6), e143. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000143 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Mahmood, A. A., Nur Jannah, M. H., Sidik, K., & Salmah, I. (2006). Cytoprotective effects of honey in combination with aqueous and ethanol extracts from Chromolaena odorata L. (Eupatorium odoratum L.) in rats. Journal of Health and Translational Medicine, 9(1), 7-13. https://doi.org/10.22452/jummec.vol9no1.3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Peter, I. E., Akachukwu, M. T. O., Mbaoji, F. N., Ofokansi, M. N., & Nworu, C. S. (2020). Evaluation of the antiulcer activity of methanol/methylene chloride leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata (L.) in rats. Trends in Natural Products Research, 1(2), 87-98. https://doi.org/10.48245/tnpr-2734391.2021.1.203 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Uchenna, A. F., Obioma, N. E., Kalu, A. A., Ebisintei, P., & Akunneh-Wariso, C. (2023). Evaluation of the ulcer-healing potential of Chromolaena odorata (Independent Plant) in Wistar rats. International Research Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 6(1), 131-136. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• A Comparative Study of Adjustment Level, Parental Income and Academic Achievement of Adolescent Girls
• Increase in STIs among Adolescents in Masvingo District
• A Correlation between SDG 4 (Quality Education) and Emotional Disposition of Teacher Educators in Hyderabad District
• Ear Piercing Behaviour and Self-Esteem among Male University Students in Nigeria
• A Study of Religiosity and Psychological Well-Being