Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the protective effect of Caesalpinia sappan and spirulina against gastritis and determine changes in the expression of CD8, CD68, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. METHODS: Gastritis was induced in 24 female Wistar albino rats on the first day using ethanol. The treatment groups were given C. sappan (250 mg/kg) and spirulina (400 mg/kg) using oral gavage for five days. Blood and stomach tissue samples of the mice were analyzed. RESULTS: Caesalpinia sappan and spirulina increased CD8 and CD68 expression and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels thereby decreasing the severity of inflammation. It was found that they simultaneously decreased MHC I and MHC II expressing cells, increased superoxide dismutase levels, whereas malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase levels decreased in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that C. sappan and spirulina can protect gastric mucosa by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.