Investigation of the Protective Efficacy of Caesalpina sappan and Spirulina against Ethanol-Induced Experimental Rat Gastritis Model

Background: Gastritis is a collective name for disorders resulting from inflammatory changes in the gastric mucosa. Caesalpina sappan and Spirulina has various pharmacological activities, including the alleviation of gastritis.The study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Caesalpina sappan and Spirulina against gastritis and determine changes in the expression of CD8, CD68, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Methods Gastritis was induced in 24 female Wistar albino rats on the first day using ethanol. The treatment groups were given C. sappan (250 mg/kg) and Spirulina (400 mg/kg) using oral gavage for 5 days. Blood and stomach tissue samples of the mice were analyzed. Results This study was found that C. sappan and Spirulina increased CD8 and CD68 expression levels, thereby decreasing the severity of inflammation. A simultaneous decrease in MHC I and MHC II expressing cells was observed in the treatment group. It was found that superoxide dismutase levels increased, whereas tumor necrosis factor-alpha, malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase levels decreased in the treatment group. Conclusion This study revealed that C. sappan and Spirulina can protect gastric mucosa by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.