A COMBINED EXPERIMENTAL AND NETWORK PHARMACOLOGY APPROACH TO ELUCIDATE THE ANTI ULCER POTENTIAL OF PERSEA MACRANTHA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2026v18i2.57804Keywords:
Persea macrantha, Peptic ulcer, Aspirin induced, Network pharmacology, Molecular dockingAbstract
Objective: The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the anti‑ulcer potential of Persea macrantha ethanolic and aqueous extracts, by using both network pharmacology approaches and in vivo animal models.
Methods: Network pharmacology was employed to identify potential ulcer-related targets and pathways, while molecular docking validated interactions between phytochemicals and these targets. The anti-ulcer activity of Persea macrantha ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts was assessed in Albino Wistar rats at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (p. o.), with omeprazole (20 mg/kg) and sucralfate (100 mg/kg) as standards. Ulcers were induced using ethanol (8 ml/kg, p. o.) and aspirin (400 mg/kg, p. o.), followed by microscopic examination of gastric lesions. In vitro methods were performed by H+/K+ATPase inhibition and acid‑neutralizing capacity (ANC) tests.
Results: Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified key targets (PTPN11, NFKB1, CYP1B1) interacting with phytoconstituents such as β‑phellandrene, machiline, and sesamin, regulating pathways including Ras, T‑cell receptor, MAPK signaling, and tryptophan metabolism. In vivo studies in ulcer‑induced Albino Wistar rats showed that Persea macrantha (P. Macrantha) leaf extracts significantly (p<0.001) reduced ulcer index in a dose‑dependent manner and improved protection. In vitro assays confirmed dose‑dependent H+/K+ATPase inhibition, while both extracts exhibited higher acid‑neutralizing capacity than aluminum‑magnesium hydroxide.
Conclusion: Overall, Persea macrantha exerts a multitargeted gastroprotective effect by modulating ulcer-healing regulators, strengthening protective mechanisms, and supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for gastric ulcers.
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Copyright (c) 2026 FAISAL MAMDOUH ALHAJRI, RAVI SHANKAR N., PRAMOD S., SIBGHATULLAH MUHAMMAD ALI SANGI, GIRISH MERAVANIGE, SREEHARSHA NAGARAJA
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