Assessing the Ulcerogenic Effects of High-Dose Turmeric Rhizome Supplementation in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: Gastric ulcers are lesions in the stomach lining caused by impaired mucosal defence mechanisms, with multifactorial causes including NSAIDs, Helicobacter pylori, and possibly high-dose turmeric intake affecting gastric mucosal integrity. Aim: This study investigated the ulcerogenic potential of high-dose turmeric rhizome supplementation in Wistar albino rats. Study Design: A randomised controlled experimental study using animal models was conducted to evaluate the effects of graded doses of turmeric rhizome supplementation on gastric ulceration. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Animal House of the Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria, over a period of 28 days following acclimatisation. Methodology: Twenty male Wistar rats (140–160 g) were randomly assigned into four groups (n=5): control (basal diet), 10% turmeric-supplemented diet (T10), 15% turmeric-supplemented diet (T15), and an indomethacin-induced ulcer group (60 mg/kg). Diets were administered daily for 28 days. Gastric tissues were evaluated for ulcer index, gastric acid, mucin concentration, pepsin activity, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and histological alterations. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Rats fed with 10% turmeric diet showed significant gastric mucosal damage characterised by increased ulcer index (~430.00), elevated gastric acid secretion, increased COX-2 activity, reduced mucin levels, and distorted gastric architecture compared to control (p ≤ 0.05). The 15% group showed moderate effects with a lower ulcer index (~297.00) and higher ulcer inhibition (~33.50%) than T10. Histological findings confirmed severe mucosal congestion in the T10 group. Reduced mucin and increased inflammatory markers suggest compromised gastric defence mechanisms. Conclusion: High-dose turmeric rhizome supplementation, particularly at 10%, exhibits ulcerogenic effects in Wistar rats by increasing gastric acidity, reducing mucin production, and promoting inflammation. These findings indicate that excessive dietary turmeric may compromise gastric integrity, highlighting the need for caution in high-dose consumption and further investigation into safe dosage thresholds.