The protective effects of ethanol extract of Temulawak rhizome (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) on gastric ulcers induced by ethanol

The incidence of gastric ulcers and their complications has continued to increase over the past few decades, making the discovery of drugs for gastric ulcers a matter of concern. The Curcuma genus is a popular traditional medicine with anti-inflammatory effects and potential as a gastric ulcer treatment. Curcuma xanthorrhiza, locally known as Temulawak, is a component of jamu, an Indonesian traditional medicine for various diseases. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the ability of the ethanol extract of Temulawak (ETL) to protect and repair gastric tissue from ulceration caused by ethanol. ETL doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW were administered to Wistar rats for 14 days before gastric ulcer induction with absolute ethanol. The tissue structure’s resulting protective and repair effects were compared with those of rats treated with Omeprazole 20 mg/kg BW. The protective effects of the extract were assessed from changes in biochemical parameters such as volume and total acidity of gastric fluid, as well as mucin level. The repair effects of tissue structure were evaluated using microscopic analysis of the gastric fluid. Based on experimental data, ETL can reduce gastric fluid volume and total acidity and significantly increase mucin, similar to standard omeprazole (p>0.05). ETL can also prevent mucosal lesions, like omeprazole, especially at 400 mg/kg BW. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that ETL can protect the stomach from ulceration, demonstrating its potential as a natural antiulcer agent.