Ameliorative activity of aqueous leaf extract from <i>Madhuca longifolia</i> against diclofenac-administered toxicity on rat stomach and intestine

<i>Madhuca longifolia</i>, a tropical tree used as medicine and food, is known to have a beneficial effect against stomach gastric toxicity. <i>Madhuca longifolia</i> is used in treating cough, skin disease and nerve disorders. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with overdosage and prolonged use, is known to cause gastric toxicity. Silymarin (SLY), a polyphenolic antioxidant flavonoid, is a derivative of <i>Silybum marianum</i> extracted from milk thistle seeds and fruits, has been widely used in the treatment of gastric ulcer. SLY was used as the standard drug to compare the effects with the <i>Madhuca longifolia</i> aqueous leaf extract treatment. The aim of the current study is to understand the effect of <i>Madhuca longifolia</i> aq. leaf extract on rat stomach and intestine against diclofenac-administered toxicity. Rats (n = 30) were divided into Group I normal control, Group II treated with diclofenac, Group III treated with diclofenac and <i>Madhuca longifolia</i> leaf extract, Group IV treated with diclofenac and silymarin, and Group V was treated with <i>Madhuca longifolia</i> leaf extract alone. After the study duration, rats were euthanized and tissue samples were analyzed for antioxidant, cytokine, protein expression levels and histopathological changes. Diclofenac treated rats had significant (<i>p</i> Madhuca longifolia. This study demonstrated that <i>Madhuca longifolia</i> leaf extract had gastroprotective activity in rats treated with diclofenac.