Gastric antiulcer, antisecretory and cytoprotective properties of celery (Apium Graveolens) in rats

Celery seed is generally regarded as safe for human consumption as a spice, natural seasoning and plant extract/essential oil. The present study was carried out to assess the possible anti-gastric ulcer, cytoprotective and antisecretory properties of ethanolic extracts of Apium graveolens in rats in order to substantiate the traditional Unani System of Medicine. Five hundred grams of the shade dried aerial parts of celery was coarse powdered and macerated in 3 liters of 96% ethanol for 72 hours using a percolation method. Wistar albino rats were used. Celery extract produced a dose-dependent significant protection against the ulcerogenic effect induced by indomethacin. In the ethanol and strong alkali-induced ulcer protocol, it was observed that the treatment with ethanolic extracts of celery (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the lesion index. A highly significant reduction of ulceration in rats' stomach and intra-luminal bleeding was recorded after celery extract pretreatment at the dose of 500 mg/kg orally. In the gastric secretion determination model, using ligated pylorus for 6 h, the treatment with celery extract (250 and 500 mg/kg i.p.), reduced the volume of basal gastric secretion, titratable acidity and ulceration significantly in comparison with a control group. The results show that ethanol extract of celery displays gastroprotective activity, as demonstrated by its significant inhibition of the formation of ulcers induced by different experimental models, and its ability to decrease basal gastric acid secretion. This gastric antiulcer capacity of celery extract could be related to its antioxidant properties, resulting in reduction of the lipid peroxidation and elevation of the NP-SH contents, besides, improving the mucus coat of the stomach. Therefore, we suggest that due to its antioxidative effects, it may be useful in the prevention of gastric disorders.