Synergistic Antiulcer Effect of Melatonin and Esomeprazole Combination in Pylorus Ligation, Ethanol, Aspirin Induced Peptic Ulcers

The aim of the present study is to assess the synergistic effect of melatonin and esomeprazole combination in the treatment of peptic ulcers using Pylorus ligation, Ethanol and Aspirin ulcer inducing models. Wistar albino rats of either sex weighing between 180-200 gms were used in the study. For each ulcer model, the animals were randomly divided into 04 groups of 06 animals in each. Following acclimatization, the animals were subjected to administration of drugs and combination for 07 consecutive days. On the 7^th day, after the administration of the drugs, the animals were fasted for 48h. At the end of 48h, the animals were subjected to ulcer induction using pylorus ligation, ethanol (1ml/200gm; p.o.) and aspirin (20mg/kg; p.o.) models. Various biochemical parameters were assessed - in pylorus ligation model, pH, volume of gastric juice (ml), free and total acidity (mEq/L) and ulcer index were assessed and in aspirin and ethanol induced ulcer models, ulcer index and percentage protection were evaluated. The results were interpreted using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test. It was observed that the combination was effective synergistically in treating peptic ulcers, as it significantly enhanced the antiulcer effect upon comparison with the other treatment groups. From the results obtained, it was concluded that the combination is synergistic in nature.