1Laboratory of Beneficial Microorganisms, Functional Foods and Health, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University of Mostaganem, BP 188, Mostaganem-27000, Algeria
2Laboratory of Bioeconomy, Food Safety and Health, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, University of Abdelhamid Ibn Badis-27000, Mostaganem, Algeria
3Laboratory of Applied Animal Physiology, Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University of Mostaganem, BP 188, Mostaganem-27000, Algeria
4Laboratory of Functional Agrosystems and Technologies of Agronomic Sectors, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Abou Bekr Belkaïd, Tlemcen-13000, Algeria
*Corresponding Author: Abdelmalek Chaalel, Laboratory of Beneficial Microorganisms, Functional Foods and Health, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University of Mostaganem, BP 188, Mostaganem-27000, Algeria, Email: abdelmalek.chaalel@univ-mosta.dz
Online Published on 10 March, 2026.
Taraxacum officinale, a traditional medicinal plant in Africa and notably Algeria, is widely used for its hematopoietic and gastrointestinal benefits. It is believed to stimulate red blood cell production and protect against gastric ulcers. This study aimed to evaluate the erythropoietic and antiulcer effects of its ethanolic extract in Wistar rats.
In the anemia model, 25 male rats were divided into four groups. Anemia was induced using cephalosporin (10 mg/kg) for 10 days, while treatment groups received ethanolic extract of T. officinale (EETO) (200 mg/kg, twice daily). Blood samples were analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters. For the ulcer model, gastric lesions were induced with HCl/ethanol (1.50 μMol/60%) and treated with EETO (200 mg/kg) for 7 days. Gastric tissue was examined microscopically and malondialdehyde levels were measured.
In anemic rats, T. officinale significantly increased red blood cells RBCs (52.10%), hemoglobin (38.56%), iron (50.95%) and several vitamins and minerals while reducing erythropoietin. In the ulcer model, the EETOreduced ulceration by 68% and oxidative stress markers. Histology confirmed mucosal protection. These findings support the therapeutic potential of Taraxacum officinale against anemia and gastric ulcers.
Anemia, Taraxacum officinale, Ulcer, Wistar rats
