Protective and Therapeutic Roles of Phoenix dactyliferaL. Zaghloul Cultivar Leaves Extract against Ethanol-induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Gastric ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and mucosal injury. This study investigated the gastroprotective and therapeutic effects of Phoenix dactylifera (Zaghloul) methanolic leaves extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats, with a focus on biochemical, molecular, and histopathological outcomes. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the extract is rich in phenolic (2450.127 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid compounds (2230.00 mg CE/g), known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Ethanol administration resulted in significant oxidative stress evidenced by decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione (GSH) levels and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA). Treatment with the extract restored TAC and GSH and reduced MDA levels. TNF-α and ICAM-1 were significantly elevated in the ulcerated rats while significantly reduced in the extract treated rats;TNF-α/IL-10 ratio was increased in the ulcerative group and reduced by treatment. Moreover, the extract modulated the expression of genes associated with cellular stress and tissue repair including E2F1, RAD21, NIBPL and Vimentin suggesting attenuation of epithelial injury and involvement in mucosal regeneration. Histopathological examination confirmed the biochemical and molecular findings demonstrating improved mucosal architecture, enhanced mucin production, and reduced fibrosis. Collectively, these results reveal the impact of ulcer induction and treatment onE2F1, RAD21, NIBPL and Vimentin and point out the gastroprotective and therapeutic effects of P. dactylifera leaves extract through its modulation of the expression of these genes along with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mucosal healing properties highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent against gastric ulceration.