Receptor-Specific Effects Of Aqueous Extract Of Jatropha tanjorensis On Gastric Acid Secretion In Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Gastric acid secretion is regulated by histaminergic, cholinergic, and gastrin-mediated pathways, which are critical in digestion but, when dysregulated, contribute to acid-related gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcer disease. While standard therapies target acid secretion, concerns about their long-term safety have encouraged exploring plant-based antisecretory agents. Jatropha tanjorensis, rich in flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, has documented gastroprotective and antioxidant properties but its specific effects on receptor-mediated gastric acid secretion pathways remain unclear. Method: Adult male Wistar rats were pretreated orally with aqueous extract of Jatropha tanjorensis (AEJT) at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg or vehicle. Under anesthesia, gastric acid secretion was measured via continuous perfusion before and after intravenous stimulation with histamine, carbachol, or pentagastrin. Acid output, pH, titratable acidity, and pepsin activity were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test with significance at p<0.05. Results: AEJT significantly inhibited basal and histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal suppression observed at 500 mg/kg (p<0.05). Similarly, carbachol-stimulated acid secretion was significantly decreased by the highest dose of AEJT. In contrast, AEJT treatment significantly increased gastric acid secretion AEJT exhibits receptor-specific modulation of gastric acid secretion following pentagastrin stimulation at all doses (p<0.05). Conclusion: AEJT exhibits significant, dose-dependent modulation of gastric acid secretion by inhibiting histamine- and cholinergic-induced pathways while enhancing gastrin-mediated secretion. These findings support the therapeutic potential of Jatropha tanjorensis as a selective antisecretory and gastroprotective agent, advocating further research into its mechanisms and clinical applications.