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Study’s Novelty/Excerpt • This review systematically explores the anti-ulcerogenic potential of medicinal plants, highlighting their bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties. • 33 studies from 2010-2024 were synthesized to highlight the multiple mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory and anti-H. pylori effects of plant species like Curcuma longa, Moringa oleifera, and Allium sativum, etc. • Ethnobotanical resources could complement or replace synthetic drugs in treating ulcer. Full Abstract The common gastrointestinal ailment known as peptic ulcer is characterized by damage to the stomach and duodenum's mucosal integrity, mostly as a result of an unbalanced interaction between mucus production and other defensive systems and aggressive elements like gastric acid. Pain, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea, perforations, weight loss, bloody stools, or vomiting are some of the signs that identify the condition. The necessity for efficient treatment plans is highlighted by the rising incidence of peptic ulcers, which is made worse by conditions including Helicobacter pylori infection and NSAID use. Herbal drugs are emerging as alternative remedies for various health conditions. With an emphasis on the bioactive chemicals and pharmacological properties of these plants, this review investigates the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in the management of peptic ulcers. A PRISMA-compliant systematic review was carried out to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic qualities of a variety of medicinal plants. We looked through scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to find pertinent research that was published between 2010 and 2024. Terms like "peptic ulcer," "anti-ulcer plants," "plant-derived drugs for peptic ulcer," "herbal drugs," and "phytomedicine for peptic ulcer" were used in the search. Thirty-three (33) full-text articles out of 2,650 entries that were examined and found to match the inclusion criteria were included. Plant species, bioactive chemicals, and their proven effects on peptic ulcers in preclinical research were the main topics of data extraction. This review highlights the many modes of action and therapeutic applications of the several medicinal plant extracts that have been connected to anti-ulcer properties. The ethnobotanical plants were discovered to be a rich source of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, simple phenols, and saponins. Numerous therapeutic plants with potent anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities have been found to exist, such as Curcuma longa, Moringa oleifera, and Allium sativum. These plants improve mucosal defence systems, lower stomach acid output, control inflammatory mediators, and inhibit H. pylori, offering considerable therapeutic potential. More research is required to fully understand the medical potential of these natural medicines, as the findings show that they can successfully complement current treatments for peptic ulcers, lowering dependency on synthetic pharmaceuticals and minimizing associated adverse effects.

Background: Peptic ulcer is a condition characterized by open sores resulting from excessive acid production in the stomach or digestive tract, causing damage to the mucosal lining. Tamarix gallica (TG), is traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial activity, etc. Objective: The scientific evidences based on its efficacy specifically for anti-ulcers activity are limited, hence, the study aimed to evaluate protective effect of TG against aspirin-induced peptic ulcers. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed followed by assessment of protective effect of TG against aspirin induced toxicity in rats. Network biology and polypharmacology studies were performed to determine the possible molecular targets involved in pathophysiology of ulcers. Results: The study revealed that the TG extract at high dose (500 mg/kg b.w.) significantly exhibits protective effect against aspirin induced ulcers via regulation of free acidity pepsin production, overall acidity via regulating antioxidant status (SOD, GSH, CAT, etc). Morphological studies revealed less damage with less disruption of the gastric mucosa layer having normal mucosal structure, no swelling or oedema was found in drug treated groups. Conclusion: Moreover, network biology and polypharmacology outcomes revealed that SOD2, CAT, EPO, IL10, EGF, TGFB1 etc. play a significant role in functional gastrointestinal-associated disease or peptic ulcer. Hence, the study concludes that TG polyphenols including phenols and flavonoids play an important role in alleviation of peptic ulcer or associated complication and thus demonstrating TG as a natural therapeutic regimen against ulcers in glance of nature.

Background: The Fabaceae family's Prosopis cineraria L. Druce (PC) is a tiny to medium-sized, thorny and irregularly branching tree used in Indian traditional medicine. Purpose: The current study has been investigated of Prosopis cineraria bark for mycochemical screening and evaluating their pharmacological activities by using two antiulcer models. After that isolation of active constituent present in hydroalcoholic bark crude extract. Study design: In the present analysis, qualitative and quantitative studies were analyzed. On the basis of this assay we choose hydro-alcoholic bark extract (HABE) for pylorus ligation ulcer model and an ethanol-induced ulcer model on female albino wistar rats. The volume of gastric juice, pH, total and free acidity and ulcer index were all investigated. The hydroalcoholic extracts of bark were selected and further undergo the seclusion of bioactive compounds by using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses and Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) of the extracts. Results: Phytochemical screening of the bark extract showed that phenol, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, amino acids and proteins, reducing sugars and carbohydrates were present. However, a greater dose of the extract lowered gastric ulcer index and increased percent protection from pylorus ligation (75.05%) and ethanol (76.05%)-induced aberrations, as measured by altered biochemical markers such as a decrease in stomach volume, free, and total acidity. In contrast, GC–MS analyses of the hydroalcoholic bark extracts identified 42 compounds in which gallic acid is mainly present and in LC-MS analyses ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid are found by use of the (NIST) library. Conclusions: Based on the present findings, it was revealed that the bark of Prosopis cineraria may be used as potent bio resource for natural antioxidants and antiulcerogenic drug. As a result, more research is needed on elucidation of individual phytochemicals, as well as their mechanism of action.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of Angelica archangelica L., a medicinal plant of the traditional pharmacopoeia of Algeria. The aqueous extract showed a large amount of total polyphenols, tannins, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and a small amount of flavonoids with values of 80.16±14.3 mg EAG/g of extract, 3.12±2.01 mg EQ/g of extract, 226.10±4.50 mg EAT/g of extract, 6.10±50.62, 12.00±31.53 and 1.78±0.40 μg/mL respectively. In addition, the aqueous extract of A. archangelica showed a high ability to trap DPPH radical in with IC50 at 16.9±2.03μg/mL. However, the aqueous extract has a great protective effect against β-carotene degradation at 91.98±0.64% after 24 hours and significant ferrous ion chelation activity at46.2 ±1.53µg/mL. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity was studied according to the protein denaturation inhibition method and, according to the results obtained, the extract of A. archangelica at concentrations of 250, 500 μg/mL and 1 mg/mL have ahigh antiinflammatory activity whose inhibition percentages are 78.85±5.31%, 86.65±2.70% and 89.89±0.58% respectively. The analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of A. archangelica, showed that the concentration 400 mg/mL has a greet abdominal cramps inhibitory effect in comparison with the concentration 200 mg/mL with a percentage of 98.28%. The antiulcer effect of the aqueous extract of A. archangelica was evaluated by the 70% ethanol-induced ulcer test. The results obtained reveal that the aqueous extract 200 and 400 mg/mL exerted a considerable effect of protecting the stomach at 86.55±3.51% and 82.82±2.18% respectively.

The objective of this study was to characterize the bioactive ingredients and antiulcer effects of Lactuca sativa leaves. Several bioactive chemicals were found in the cold methanolic extract of Lactuca sativa leaves after gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) research: 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl-, n-hexadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl, octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, 9-octadecenamide, (Z)-, hexadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, benzothiazole, ethyl iso-allocholate, and octacosane. Distinct fingerprint regions in GCMS indicated the existence of bioactive compounds. The leaf powder of Lactuca sativa (LPL) demonstrated substantial antiulcer properties at 400 mg/kg, which was almost equivalent to the standard drug at 20 mg/kg. The cytokine network was efficiently regulated by reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were also considerably lowered at p < 0.05 significant level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1:4 inclusion complex of 11-deoxymisoprostol (II) with glycyrrhizic acid (complex III) was synthesized and exhibited high anti-ulcer activity in experimental models of gastric mucosal ulcers (GMUs) inWistar rats induced by indomethacin and diclofenac. Complex III at a dose of 1 mg/kg (0.1 mg of II) reduced the number of indomethacin gastric ulcers by 46.4% (p < 0.012) as compared with the control group and by 39.2% as compared with II at the same dose. The anti-ulcer activity of complex III at a dose of 1 mg/kg was 5.8 times higher than that of the initial prostaglandin at an equivalent dose (0.1 mg/kg) in a model of gastric ulcers caused by diclofenac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the anti-ulcer properties of raw olive leaf powder (OLP) and its immunomodulatory potential through the cytokine network. The efficacy of OLP extract in treating stomach ulcers in rats in ethanol-induced models was examined using a single dosage (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) in groups 4, 5, and 6. The OLP demonstrated substantial anti-ulcer action even at 100 mg/kg. The activity was better at 400 mg/kg and almost equivalent to the conventional omeprazole treatment at 20 mg/kg in group 3. The cytokine network was studied in groups 1, 2, 3, and 6. The cytokine network was efficiently regulated by reducing the production of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. The levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were also lowered in groups 3 and 4 considerably at p < 0.05. It is interesting to note that the expression of IFN was greater in animals treated with OLP in group 4, as compared to animals treated with omeprazole in group 3, as well as animals from the disease control group 2, when analyzed at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results revealed that OLP has intriguing potential for anti-ulcer action, and possesses immunomodulatory capabilities to control inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers.

This study investigated the anti-ulcer properties of raw olive leaf powder (OLP) and its immunomodulatory potential through the cytokine network. The efficacy of OLP extract in treating stomach ulcers in rats in ethanol-induced models was examined using a single dosage (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) in groups 4, 5, and 6. The OLP demonstrated substantial anti-ulcer action even at 100 mg/kg. The activity was better at 400 mg/kg and almost equivalent to the conventional omeprazole treatment at 20 mg/kg in group 3. The cytokine network was studied in groups 1, 2, 3, and 6. The cytokine network was efficiently regulated by reducing the production of cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-a. The levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were also lowered in groups 3 and 4 considerably at p < 0.05. It is interesting to note that the expression of IFN was greater in animals treated with OLP in group 4, as compared to animals treated with omeprazole in group 3, as well as animals from the disease control group 2, when analyzed at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results revealed that OLP has intriguing potential for anti-ulcer action, and possesses immunomodulatory capabilities to control inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to develop and optimize esomeprazole loaded proniosomes (EZL-PNs) to improve bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Method: EZL-PNs formulation was developed by slurry method and optimized by 33 box-Bhekhen statistical design software. Span 60 (surfactant), cholesterol, EZL concentration were taken as independent variables and their effects were evaluated on vesicle size (nm), entrapment efficiency (%, EE) and drug release (%, DR). Furthermore, optimized EZL-PNs (EZL-PNs-opt) formulation was evaluated for ex vivo permeation, pharmacokinetic and ulcer protection activity. Result: The EZL-PNs-opt formulation showed 616 ± 13.21 nm of vesicle size, and 81.21 ± 2.35% of EE. EZL-PNs-opt exhibited negative zeta potential and spherical confirmed scanning electron microscopy. EZL-PNs-opt showed sustained release of EZL (95.07 ± 2.10% in 12 h) than pure EZL dispersion. The ex-vivo gut permeation result exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced flux than pure EZL. The in vivo results revealed 4.02-fold enhancement in bioavailability and 61.65% protection in ulcer than pure EZL dispersion (43.82%). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that EZL-PNs formulation could be an alternative delivery system of EZL to enhance oral bioavailability and antiulcer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gastric ulcer is a sore lining on the stomach, which penetrates to mucosal layer formed due to excess acid secretion or due to Helicobacter pylori (H-pylori) bacteria. The present polyherbal formulation was prepared using Ocimum tenuiflorum, Phyllanthus emblica, Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus niruri, Acyranthes aspera, and Terminalia chebula. The above-mentioned plant powders were collected and formulated into an ayurvedic liquid dosage form arista. These plants were proven to have an anti-ulcer activity individually; hence the plant powders were combined to form a polyherbal formulation. The polyherbal formulation was screened for antiulcer activity by different in vitro and in vivo methods. In vitro antioxidant activity by nitric oxide scavenging method and proton pump inhibition assay was performed to evaluate the mechanism of action. Gastric lesions were induced by ethanol and ulcer scores were measured. Arista was served to rats at a dose of 1.8ml/kg (p.o.). Pantaprazole and normal saline were used as standard and control. The ulcer score was measured and compared for 3 groups. Antioxidant and H+K+ATPase activity showed effective results. Antioxidant activity of arista showed gastric mucosal protection by free radical scavenging action. In vivo studies proved the Polyherbal formulation (arista) has a promising anti-ulcer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aseries of compounds based on 1-thia-4,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decan-3-one was synthesized. Their activity as new anti-ulcer agents was investigated in vivo. 8-Benzyl-4-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-1-thia-4,8-diazaspiro-[4,5]decan-3-one, 8-benzyl-4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1-thia-4,8-diazaspiro[4,5]decan-3-one, 4,8-dibenzyl-1-thia-4,8-diazaspiro[4,5]decan-3-one, and 8-benzyl-4-[3-(dibutylamino)propyl]-1-thia-4,8-diazaspiro[4,5]-decan-3-one were found to possess anti-ulcer activity comparable with that of omeprazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiulcer, and cytotoxic properties of hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts from the fruits of Tabernaemontana crassa were investigated. Four phenolic compounds, including three phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids) and one flavonol (rutin), were detected by HPLC-PDA. The hydroethanol extract (HE) exhibited high antioxidant activity and inhibition of haemolysis against red blood cells. Administration of HE (200 mg kg -1 ) significantly decreased the paw edoema induced by carrageenan compared to diclofenac sodium (20 mg kg -1 ). At the same dose, HE exhibited appreciable gastric cytoprotective capacity compared to Lanzoprazole (20 mg kg -1 ). These results were further supported by the histological analysis. Crude fruit extracts demonstrated a low haemolytic effect against rat red blood cells. Our findings support the use of T. crassa fruit in pharmacological and therapeutic fields.

This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activities of Cucumis melo L. cv. Ismailawi fruits, as well as the investigation of the phenolic content and lipoidal matter composition via high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry respectively. Both the petroleum ether and defatted methanol extracts of the fruit pulp showed 63.13% and 54.97% decrease in oedema volume respectively after 4 h in comparison to indomethacin standard drug. Both the petroleum ether extract and ethyl acetate fractions at a dose (200 mg/kg) showed significant anti-ulcer activity decreasing both ulcer number and severity in comparison to ranitidine as standard drug. Histopathological investigation further confirmed these results. Moreover; this is the first report for the investigation of the phenolic content and the lipoidal matter of Cucumis melo L. cv. Ismailawi fruits where methyl palmatate, gallic acid and rutin represented the major detected components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptic ulcer disease affects many people globally. With the increasing resistance to some orthodox antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Metronidazole, it is important that new acceptable, safer and effective therapies are developed to manage this disease. Various herbal medicines have been used traditionally for the remedy of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), however scientific information with regards to their anti-peptic ulcer both in-vivo and in-vitro as well as clinical studies supporting their use is still inadequate. The Centre for Plant Medicine Research, (CPMR) Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana manufactures three herbal Products namely Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules which are currently used for the remedy of PUD as a triple therapy at its out-patient clinic with promising effects. The aim of this review is to gather information from literature on the anti-ulcer properties, pharmacological, phytochemical constituents and related activities of herbal plants used at the CPMR for formulation of the triple herbal therapy. This review may, provide some scientific bases for the use of Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules in the management of Peptic ulcer at the CPMR out-patient clinic. Methods: Organization for the review involved the on and/or offline search for information from available literature using electronic data and scientific research information resources such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google scholar. Results: In this review, fifteen ethno-medicinal plants used for the formulation of Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK capsules have been discussed, presenting the description of the plants, composition and pharmacological activity. Interpretation: Tables with the summary of reviewed medicinal plants with their anti-ulcer models and inference on possible mechanisms of action were drawn up. The mechanism(s) of action of individual plants and products (Enterica, Dyspepsia and NPK 500 capsules) must be further investigated and established experimentally in-vitro in addition to in-vivo pharmacological and clinical activity studies to confirm their use in the remedy of PUD.

Syzyzium cumini (Myrtaceae) is an evergreen tropical tree mostly found in South East Asia. Extracts of fruits and seeds are extensively used in the treatment of diabetes. Other folkloric uses include treatment of cold, cough, fever, skin problem and genitourinary tract ulcer. The present study evaluated the anti-ulcer activity of the seeds of S. cumini against different ulcer models in rats. The anti-ulcer activity of the methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract of S. cumini seed was evaluated in ethanol, pylorus ligation, Aspirin + pylorus ligation and stress-induced gastric ulcer model. The study biomarkers used were gastric volume, pH, ulcer index and free acidity. The extract and fraction at the dose level of 200 mg/kg caused a significant (P <0.05) reduction in the ulcer index, free acidity while there was an increase in the pH value of the test in comparison to the solvent control group. Experimentally, it was observed that animals who received ethyl acetate fraction had relatively improved protection of gastric ulcer as demonstrated by different biomarkers. The present study showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of methanol extract of S. cumini seed possesses potential anti-ulcer activity. This may be due to a linear relationship between the antioxidant value of the seeds as reported earlier by several authors due to rich in phenolic compounds, which in turn is responsible for mucosal cytoprotection of the stomach and hence, participate in the enhancement of mucosal defence mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walaa Ebrahim Abd El Hady, Elham Abdelmonem Mohamed, Osama Abd El-Aazeem Soliman, Hassan Mohamed EL-Sabbagh Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, EgyptCorrespondence: Elham Abdelmonem MohamedDepartment of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Gomhoreyah St., Mansoura 35516, EgyptTel +20 106 569 0987Fax +20 50 224 7496Email elham.mabdelmonem@gmail.comBackground: Diosmin showed poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles were successfully used to improve the drugs solubility and bioavailability. Coating of PLGA nanoparticles with chitosan can ameliorate their gastric retention and cellular uptake.Methodology: PLGA nanoparticles of diosmin were prepared using different drug and polymer amounts. Nanoparticles were selected based on entrapment efficiency% (EE%) and particle size measurements to be coated with chitosan. The selected nanoparticles either uncoated or coated were evaluated regarding morphology, ζ-potential, solid-state characterization, in vitro release, storage stability, and mucoadhesion. The anti-ulcer activity (AA) against ethanol-induced ulcer in rats was assessed through macroscopical evaluation, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical localization of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and transmission electron microscopic examination of gastric tissues compared to free diosmin (100 mg/kg) and positive control.Results: Based on EE% and particle size measurements, the selected nanoparticles, either uncoated or coated with 0.1% w/v chitosan, were based on 1:15 drug-PLGA weight ratio and 20 mg diosmin employing methylene chloride as an organic phase. Examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed nanoscopic spherical particles. Drug encapsulation within the selected nanoparticles was suggested by Fourier transform-infrared, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffractometry results. Chitosan-coated nanoparticles were more stable against size enlargement probably due to the higher ζ-potential. Only coated nanoparticles showed gastric retention as revealed by SEM examination of stomach and duodenum. The superior AA of coated nanoparticles was confirmed by significant reduction in average mucosal damage, the majority of histopathological changes and NF-κB expression in gastric tissue when compared to positive control, diosmin and uncoated nanoparticles as well as insignificant difference relative to normal control. Coated nanoparticles preserved the normal ultrastructure of the gastric mucosa as revealed by TEM examination.Conclusion: The optimized chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles can be represented as a potential oral drug delivery system of diosmin.Keywords: diosmin, poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide), chitosan-coating, polymeric nanoparticles, gastric retention, anti-ulcer activity

The objective of this study was to characterize the bioactive ingredients and antiulcer effects of Lactuca sativa leaves. Several bioactive chemicals were found in the cold methanolic extract of Lactuca sativa leaves after gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) research: 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl-, n-hexadecanoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl, octadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester, 9-octadecenamide, (Z)-, hexadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, benzothiazole, ethyl iso-allocholate, and octacosane. Distinct fingerprint regions in GCMS indicated the existence of bioactive compounds. The leaf powder of Lactuca sativa (LPL) demonstrated substantial antiulcer properties at 400 mg/kg, which was almost equivalent to the standard drug at 20 mg/kg. The cytokine network was efficiently regulated by reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were also considerably lowered at p < 0.05 significant level.

Stress is a typical body's natural defense to a generic physical or psychic change. A specific linking mechanism between ulcer onset and psycho-physical stress prolonged exposure has been reported. We decided to investigate the possible effects of Borago officinalis L. (Borago) in preventing physical (stress)-induced gastric ulcers in a rat model. Eighty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 16 groups, pretreated with a control solution, omeprazole (20 mg/kg), Borago methanolic extract (25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg), Borago organic extract (50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg), Borago aqueous extract (5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg), and D(-)-2-Amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP5) (25 mg/kg) and kept in stressful conditions such as water immersion and restraint-induced stress ulcers. The animals were sacrificed and their stomach scored for the severity and the number of gastric ulcers. Methanolic extract (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced both ulcer parameters (***p < 0.001 and **p < 0.01, respectively). Aqueous and organic extract significantly decreased severity score at 5 and 10 mg/kg (**p < 0.01 and ***p < 0.001, respectively), and at 250 and 500 mg/kg (***p < 0.001), respectively, while gastric ulcers' resulted number significantly reduced only at 10 mg/kg (*p < 0.05) and at 500 mg/kg (**p < 0.01), respectively. On the other hand, aqueous extract significantly increased the mucosal gastric content of cAMP (*p < 0.05) and NR2A and NR2B subunits (*p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01, respectively) at 5 mg/kg. Organic extract showed also a significant cytotoxic effect at 500 and 1,000 mg/kg with a 3T3 cell viability reduction of 43.6% (**p < 0.01) and 92.1% (***p < 0.001), respectively. Borago aqueous extract at 10 mg/kg could be considered as a potential protective agent against stress-induced ulcers, and it is reasonable to possibly ascribe such protective activity to a modulation of the NR2A and NR2B subunit expression.