Molecular docking and anti-ulcerative potential of Cucumis (L. Inodorous) on ibuprofen induced gastric ulceration in male wistar animals
Grace I. Adebayo-Gege, Zainab Shehu Uthman, Moses Dele Adams, Tarfa Florence, Danazumi Umar Haruna, Ngabea Murtala Audu, Hamidu Jabba Lawan, Ozegbe Queen, Onwuchekwa Chinedu, Meraiyebu Ajibola, Ojo Kafaru
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of NSAIDs have caused stomach injury by inhibiting endogenous mucosal prostaglandin production. Cucumis melo is reported to possess antiulcer potential. This study investigates the mechanism underlying the antiulcer potentials of Cucumis melo (CUM). METHODS: ATPase, PGE2, TNF-α was done by spectrophotometry. Molecular docking investigation of Cucumis melo compounds against Prostaglandin E2 was carried out. Level of significance was tested at P ≤ 0.05 using Tukey post hoc. RESULT: Total gastric acidity, ulcer score, ulcer index, MDA, TNF-α significantly decreased after CUM treatment when compared to group B. The percentage inhibition, antioxidant activities, PGE2 concentration was significantly increased in all treatment groups compared to group B. Interactions of selected compounds of CUM with Prostaglandin E2 at various docking pockets showed folic acid has highest binding affinity followed by delta7-avenasterol and codisterol to PGE2 receptor. this study shows that one of the mechanisms by which CUM exhibits its antiulcer potential by enhancing Prostaglandin synthesis and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, Cucumis melo can therefore be explored as novel antiulcer agents.