Baicalin protects against gastroduodenal ulcers via the modulation of Nrf2 expression: Experimental, biochemical, and histological analyses.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying the gastroprotective effects of baicalin using several animal models of chemically induced gastric ulcers.

METHODS: The gastroprotective effects of baicalin against ulcers induced by water immersion stress, alcohol-induced ligation, and indomethacin-induced pylorus ligation were assessed in the present study. Additionally, macroscopic evaluations were performed at the completion of the study and Western blot analyses of Nrf2 were conducted to determine the possible mechanisms of action underlying the effects of baicalin.

RESULTS: Compared to the effects of ranitidine in a confirmed model of indomethacin-induced ligation, treatment with various doses of baicalin resulted in significant (p <0.001) increases in protection against ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. Baicalin was 72% effective versus the reference drug and 80% effective against ethanol-induced ulcers. Additionally, in rat stomachs with pylorus ligatures, Western blot analyses revealed that baicalin was 82% protective and that cimetidine was 85% protective. Taken together, the present findings indicate that baicalin is an alternative medicine with the potential to be an effective gastroprotective agent.

CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that the protective effects of baicalin may be regulated via Nrf2-mediated anti-secretory actions.