Plant Biotechnology Persa

fa Investigating the Impact of a polyherbal Syrup Containing Licorice, Peppermint, and Chamomile Extracts on Inflammation and Peptic Ulcers in Male Rats Clinical پژوهشي Research Objective: Peptic ulcers are caused by erosion of the gastric mucosa, often triggered by excessive gastric acid secretion, aspirin use, or Helicobacter pylori infection. These ulcers can lead to pain, inflammation, and bleeding. Although conventional therapies, including antibiotics and surgery, are effective, they are frequently associated with side effects and significant economic burden. Medicinal plants, valued for their anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties, are widely used in traditional medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) on peptic ulcer healing, compared with the effects of individual extracts. Method: Licorice, peppermint, and chamomile plants were collected from the Zagros Mountains (Ilam Province, Iran), authenticated, and extracted using the Soxhlet method. Forty-nine male rats were divided into seven groups, with gastric ulcers induced by aspirin administration and Helicobacter exposure. Animals were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine and euthanized according to ethical guidelines. Stomachs were excised for macroscopic and histopathological analysis of ulcer healing, inflammation, and epithelial regeneration. Results: Chamomile and peppermint-treated groups showed slow and incomplete ulcer healing after 21 days, with persistent inflammation and bleeding in deeper tissues. Licorice-treated rats exhibited more pronounced recovery, with significant epithelial regeneration, although some ulcer depth remained unhealed. The polyherbal-treated group demonstrated marked improvement of gastric wall tissue, with advanced epitheliogenesis and near-complete healing comparable to the standard Recolic-treated group. Minimal inflammatory cells and vascular congestion persisted in some areas. Conclusion: The combination of licorice, peppermint, and chamomile extracts promoted superior gastric ulcer healing compared to individual plant treatments, supporting the therapeutic potential of polyherbal formulations. Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to optimize dosage, validate efficacy, and explore their potential integration into peptic ulcer management strategies. <div style="text-align: justify;"></div> Digestive system, Stomach, Gastric ulcer, Medicinal plants, Treatment 95 102 http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-91-8&slc_lang=fa&sid=1 Sajad Mami s.mami@ilam.ac.ir 10031947532846005788 10031947532846005788 Yes Department of Laboratory and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, ilam university, Ilam, Iran Kosar Veisi Kosar.veisi3344@gmail.com 10031947532846005789 10031947532846005789 No Department of Microbiology, Ilam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran Hajar Azizian azizianhajar@gmail.com 10031947532846005790 0009-0005-1443-8729 No Phd of Comparative Histology, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran Sanaz Mami Sani_vet@yahoo.com 10031947532846005791 10031947532846005791 No Assistant Professor of Medical Immunology, Ilam University of Medical Science ,Ilam ,Iran Parisa Noorikia Parisanoorikia@gmail.com 10031947532846005792 10031947532846005792 No Department of Microbiology , Ilam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Iran Ghazal Mohamadi Mohamadighazal@gmail.com 10031947532846005793 10031947532846005793 No Department of Microbiology, Ilam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Iran Zohreh Rahmani rahmnizohreh8@gmail.com 10031947532846005794 10031947532846005794 No Department of Microbiology , Ilam Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Iran