Abstract
Gastric ulcer is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder caused by an imbalance between aggressive factors and mucosal defense mechanisms, commonly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and excessive gastric acid secretion. Despite the effectiveness of conventional therapies, their long-term use is often linked to adverse effects and disease recurrence, highlighting the need for safer therapeutic alternatives. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-ulcer potential of solasodine, a naturally occurring steroidal alkaloid, using an integrated in vitro, in vivo, and molecular-based approach. The antibacterial activity of solasodine against three clinical strains of H. pylori was assessed using the disc diffusion method, with metronidazole serving as the reference drug. In vivo gastroprotective efficacy was evaluated in an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in Sprague Dawley rats, while molecular analysis was performed by quantifying the mRNA expression of H⁺/K⁺-ATPase using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Solasodine exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of H. pylori growth and significantly reduced gastric mucosal lesions at oral doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg. The higher dose provided substantial ulcer protection comparable to omeprazole. Molecular findings revealed marked downregulation of H⁺/K⁺-ATPase expression in solasodine-treated groups, indicating suppression of gastric acid secretion. Overall, the findings demonstrate that solasodine exerts potent anti-ulcer effects through combined antibacterial, anti-secretory, and mucosal protective mechanisms. This multi-targeted activity suggests that solasodine may serve as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for the management of gastric ulcer, signifying further mechanistic and clinical investigations.