A study on the comparative value of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) root decoction vs. omeprazole and misoprostol for the treatment of aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in rats

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) root 
decoction vs. omeprazole and misoprostol for the treatment of aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Animals 
were randomly assigned first to the “prophylaxis” and “treatment” groups and then to the test and the control 
groups. Liquorice decoction (25 ml/kg; i.g.); omeprazole (2.3 mg/kg; i.p.) and misoprostol (50 g/kg; i.g.) were 
administered for 3 consecutive days 30 min before aspirin (200 mg/kg, i.g.) administration, in the prophylaxis 
group. In the treatment group, aspirin (200 mg/kg, i.g.) was administered for 3 consecutive days, and then other 
drugs were administered at the same doses as the prophylaxis group daily for 4 weeks. According to 
histopathologic evaluation, misoprostol showed significant protection; however, liquorice decoction and 
omeprazole failed to protect. In the treatment group histopathological examinations showed no significant 
difference among liquorice decoction, misoprostol and omeprazole regarding aspirin-induced ulcer treatment; 
ulcers in all treatment groups were completely cured. The results of this study suggest that Glycyrrhiza glabra can 
be used for the treatment of NSAID-induced ulcers as an inexpensive alternative to misoprostol and omeprazole.