Anti-ulcer potential of edible mushroom (Pleurotus pulmo-narius) on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in male wistar rats

Pleurotus pulmonarius (Pp), commonly called the Phoenix mushroom, is an edible tropical species with significant interest for its health-promoting properties. Renowned for its nutraceutical potential, Pp exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and prebiotic effects, positioning it as a valuable resource in functional food and therapeutic research. However, its anti-ulcer potential remains largely unexplored, prompting this investigation. The phytochemical profile and antibacterial activities of Pp were assessed using standard procedures. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n=7 per group): normal control (CN), untreated control (CU), pre-treated control with antacid (CP) and two groups treated with Pp supplements at 10% (FS10) and 30% (FS30) concentrations. Following 14 days of treatment, gastric ulcers were induced with indomethacin (40 mg/kg orally) after a 24-hour fast. Four hours post-ulcer induction, rats were anesthetized and stomachs were excised for analyses of ulcer score, nitrite, mucin, H2O2 and H+K+-ATPase activity. Stomach tissues were further examined through histopathological analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA at alpha=0.05. The study confirmed the presence of all evaluated phytochemicals in Pp. Treatments with FS10 and FS30 resulted in ulcer inhibition rates of 64.5% and 56.58%, respectively. Significant improvements were observed in gastric parameters (total protein, nitric oxide, mucin content, H2O2 levels, malondialdehyde, and H+K+-ATPase) activities, in the FS10 and FS30 groups compared to the control groups (CN and CU). These findings underscore the antioxidant and gastroprotective properties of Pp, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing gastric ulcers.