Harnessing Hyssopus officinalis stems to counteract gastric mucosal injuries: A novel phytotherapeutic avenue

Introduction. Gastric mucosal injury caused by ethanol is a key factor in ulcer development and remains a clinical challenge. Hyssopus officinalis L. stems, rich in antioxidant polyphenols, represent a promising but underused natural strategy for limiting such damage due to their antioxidant and gastroprotective properties.

Matériels et méthodes. Gastric lesions were induced in rats by administering absolute ethanol. The protective effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of Hyssopus officinalis stems was tested at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. Acute toxicity was assessed in mice following OECD guidelines. Mucosal damage was evaluated macroscopically and histologically, and phenolic/flavonoid compounds were identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

Résultats. Acute toxicity tests in mice showed no toxicity or mortality at tested doses. The ethyl acetate fraction of Hyssopus officinalis stems demonstrated significant gastroprotective effects against ethanol-induced gastric lesions, with protection rates of 76% at 250 mg/kg, 78% at 500 mg/kg, comparable to 86% protection by omeprazole (80 mg/kg).

Conclusion. The ethyl acetate extract of Hyssopus officinalis stems exhibits potent gastroprotective effects likely due to its high content of hydroxycoumarin and hesperetin. Its comparable efficacy to omeprazole and safety profile suggest it is a promising natural therapeutic candidate for gastric mucosal protection.

Messages clés.

1. L'extrait d'acétate d'éthyle des tiges de Hyssopus officinalis protège efficacement la muqueuse gastrique contre les lésions induites par l'éthanol.
2. Les principaux composés bioactifs identifiés sont l'hydroxycoumarine et l'hespérétine, responsables des effets antioxydants et cytoprotecteurs.
3. L'extrait testé est sûr en toxicité aiguë et présente une efficacité comparable à celle de l'oméprazole.