Author(s):Sudhir Kumar, Anu Kaushik

Received: June 1, 2026 | Accepted: June 23, 2026 | Published: July 1, 2026

Abstract

Gastric ulcer is a gastrointestinal disorder caused due to use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which break the gastric mucosa and promote oxidative stress and inflammation. The current work was evaluated the gastroprotective effect of quercetin (QUE) derivatives, quercetin-piperazine (Q7) and pentabenzylated quercetin (Q8), against indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats. Gastric ulcers were induced by oral given of IND, and the protective effects of QUE derivatives were assessed through various biochemical and physiological parameters. The ulcer index, gastric secretion markers (total acid output, pepsin activity & mucin content), gastric volume and pH, antioxidant markers, nitrite levels, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated to determine the degree of gastric mucosal damage & protective effects of the treatments. IND administration significantly elevated ulcer index, gastric acid secretion, pepsin activity, gastric volume, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines while reducing mucin content, gastric pH, antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, CAT, and GSH), and gastric nitrite levels. Treatment with QUE derivatives significantly improved these parameters, indicating strong gastroprotective activity. The compounds reduced ulcer severity, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, improved mucosal defense, and reduced inflammatory responses in gastric tissues. Among the tested treatments, Q8 confirmed the most pronounced protective effect, particularly in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing mucosal protection. Overall, the findings confirm that QUE derivatives possess significant gastroprotective effect and may serve as potential therapeutic candidates for the management of IND-induced gastric ulcers through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Keywords: Gastric ulcer; Quercetin derivatives; Indomethacin; Inflammation; Mucosal protection

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21095945

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