Phytochemical Profiling and Gastroprotective Potential of Alcea rosea Stem Extract: In-Vitro and In-Vivo Evaluation

Abstract

Medicinal plants serve as rich sources of bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic relevance, particularly in gastrointestinal disorders. Alcea rosea L. (hollyhock), traditionally used for treating inflammation, ulcers, and respiratory ailments, contains diverse phytochemicals that may contribute to its pharmacological effects. This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory potential, and anti-ulcer efficacy of the ethanolic stem extract of Alcea rosea (ARET). The extract was prepared through cold maceration and subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening and TLC profiling, which confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, glycosides, steroids, and saponins. Antioxidant properties assessed via the DPPH assay revealed concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ of 141.42 mg/mL, indicating strong hydrogen-donating capability. Anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated effective inhibition of protein denaturation. H⁺/K⁺-ATPase inhibition studies further supported the extract’s partial proton-pump blocking activity, suggesting an anti-secretory mechanism. In-vivo anti-ulcer evaluations including paracetamol-induced, alcohol-induced, and stress-induced models demonstrated significant gastroprotection, with the ethanolic extract showing greater efficacy than its aqueous counterpart. ARET produced substantial reductions in ulcer indices, comparable to standard anti-ulcer drugs, primarily attributed to its antioxidant, cytoprotective, and mucosal-strengthening effects. Overall, the findings validate the traditional medicinal use of A. rosea and highlight its multi-mechanistic gastroprotective properties. The study establishes ARET as a promising natural candidate for developing plant-based anti-ulcer therapies, warranting further molecular and clinical investigations.