Antioxidant and Gastroprotective Effect of Erica arborea Extract Against Diclofenac-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice: In Vivo and In Silico Molecular Docking Study

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and gastroprotective effect of Erica arborea hydroethanolic extract (EAHEx) against diclofenac-induced gastric ulcers in mice and to investigate the possible mechanisms of action through in silico analysis. In vitro results revealed that EAHEx had a significant antioxidant capacity. In vivo, diclofenac administration (150 mg/kg) in mice induced extensive damage to the gastric mucosa. Nevertheless, pretreatment with EAHEx (100 mg/kg) of mice was observed to provide protection against diclofenac-induced ulcers over ranitidine (20 mg/kg) in the sense of not permitting the development of gastric ulcers and also reducing the ulcer index (UI), increasing GSH, enhancing gastric mucus secretion and antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, CAT, GPx and GST) and reducing MDA. Liquid chromatography analysis of EAHEx identified nine phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) that had in silico high binding energy to the gastric proton pump (H⁺/K⁺-ATPase), good membrane permeation, good distribution, and a good elimination profile due to their high solubility compared to omeprazole and ranitidine. E. arborea had antioxidant and anti-ulcer activity, and therefore it is a potential candidate for future drug development.