The therapeutic effect of Oleanolic acid on experimentally induced Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Oleanolic acid (OA) on experimentally induced Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Materials and Methods: GERD was induced in twelve albino Wister rats by daily administration of 2 mL of acetic acid 15 %, pH: 2.41 for 30 days, while another group of three rats received the same volume of distilled water during the same period. The twelve rats being administered acetic acid were divided into four groups of three rats each and treated as follows; Group 1-the control group, with intra-peritoneal administration of 0.2 mL saline solution; Groups 2 and 3, with intra-peritoneal administration of 0.2 mL of OA 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg respectively and Group 4 with oral administration of 2 mL of Lansoprazole 20 mg/kg. All treatments were given simultaneously with the acetic acid daily for 30 days. All rats oesophagus were harvested for histological analysis. Results: Rats treated with 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg OA revealed a more intact oesophageal lining compared to the detached saline group one, there was no damage of blood vessels and the mucosal protective barrier was thick. Conclusion: Our results suggest that OA may protect the oesophagus against GERD.