Mechanistic insights into the anti‑ulcerative efects of Avipattikar churna: a network pharmacology and experimental approach

Abstract

Introduction Avipattikar Churna is prescribed for gastric conditions in Ayurveda. The herbs present in churna have anti￾infammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective activities and the sugar part of churna is responsible for acid neutralization. We investigated the mechanism of action of Avipattikar churna against peptic ulcer using network pharmacology, in-vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo studies. Methods Network pharmacology of churna was performed to identify the protein and pathways targeted by phytoconstituents of churna. In the phytochemical analysis the quantifcation of phenols, favonoids, tannins, in vitro studies including acid neutralizing capacity, ex-vivo studies including proton pump inhibition and antioxidant activities of three extracts of churna (aqueous, alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic) and in vivo studies were performed. Results Network analysis revealed Quercetin, Ellagic acid, Turpetholic acid, Copaene, and Eugenol having activity in peptic ulcer. The quantitative estimation of total phenols, favonoids and tannins were found to be 12.467±0.273% w/w, 4.734±0.091% w/w, and 8.0368±0.138% w/w respectively. The proton pump inhibition activity of all three extracts was concentration-dependent, with the hydroalcohol extract being the most efective at 250 ug/mL. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were found to improve levels of SOD, catalase and glutathione. Additionally, in-vivo studies revealed decrease in NFκB, TNF-α, and IL-6 post treatment. The ulcer protective efect was supported by histopathology results. Conclusion From the experimental data we conclude that Avipattikar churna may act via various mechanisms including acid neutralization, proton pump inhibition and antioxidant activity. Further in vivo studies suggest that churna may suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is associated with signifcant reductions in TNF-α and IL-6 levels, decreased infammatory cell infltration, promotion of ulcer healing, and induction of apoptosis.