# Antioxidant and Biological Activities of Mahajanaka Mango Pulp Extract in Murine Models
## 4 Discussion
The present study investigated the potential anti-inflammatory effects of MPE using two established rat models, namely EPP-induced ear edema and carrageenanan-induced hind paw edema. Our results demonstrate that MPE treatment significantly attenuated both types of edemas in rats, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory activity of the mango extract. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have shown that topical applications of mango leaf extract containing 31% mangiferin significantly decreased ear edema induced by EPP in rats [44]. Based on a study conducted on mice, mango stem bark extract was found to be effective in reducing ear edema caused by arachidonic acid (AA) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) through inhibition of TNF-\(\alpha\) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity [45]. Additionally, the mango stem bark extract, along with mangiferin, was also found to suppress the levels of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 in an LPS-stimulated macrophage cell line (RAW264.7). The outcomes of these studies provide further evidence of the potential anti-inflammatory effects of MPE containing mangiferin, which may be attributed to the suppression of inflammatory mediators and proinflammatory cytokines. Peptic ulcers are caused by an imbalance between the protective factors of the gastric mucosa and the harmful effects of gastric acid and pepsin [46]. The development of pepitic ulcers is a complex process influenced by various factors, including Helicobacter pylori infection, the use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress [47; 48]. These factors can cause erosion of the gastric mucosal barrier, leading to inflammation and ulcer formation [49]. We evaluated the gastoprotective effects of MPE using water immersion restraint stress-, HCl/ethanol-, and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Our findings suggest that MPE exhibited a greater tendency to lower gastric ulcer formation in the HCl/ethanol model than in the indomethacin and WIRS models. It is important to note that each stimulator, such as stress, alcohol, or certain drugs, can promote the development of gastric ulcers through a distinct mechanism in the body, while specific medications may inhibit a particular marker involved in the development of gastric ulcers. Although the gastoprotective effects of MPE were not as potent as those of cimetidine (positive control) in protecting against gastric ulcers, it should be considered that cimetidine could serve as a specifically designed medication for reducing acid secretion in the stomach by blocking the histamine H2 receptor [50; 51]. In contrast, MPE contains a mixture of different compounds that may produce varying gastoprotective effects. A previous study found that \(\beta\)-carotene exhibited a protective effect against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats through decreasing gastric mucosal lesions and the restoration of the gastric mucosal redox state [52]. Indeed, several studies have demonstrated that mango extract, or mangiferin, exhibited potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may effectively reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gastric mucosa [4; 44; 53]. As these factors are implicated in the development of gastric ulcers, MPE may facilitate wound healing in peptic ulcers by reducing them. According to the findings of several studies, mangiferin has been shown to facilitate wound closure in excision or incision wounds through the downregulation of COX-2, as well as by stimulating angiogenesis by increasing the secretion of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [54; 55; 56]. This suggests that MPE may have a multifaceted mechanism of action, making it a potentially useful treatment option for promoting the healing of peptic ulcers.