Quercus ilex

Holm oak (Quercus ilex) used in phytotherapy for its astringent and antiseptic properties was studied for its gastroprotective potential. The aqueous extract (EAQI) was found to be rich in phenolic compounds with marked antioxidant activity confirmed by HPLC which identified several phenolic acids and flavonoids (gallic acid quercetin catechin etc.).In vivo ethanol (4 g/kg) induced gastric and duodenal lesions associated with oxidative stress (↑MDA ↓SOD CAT GPx). Pretreatment with EAQI (100-400 mg/kg) corrected morphological and biochemical alterations in a dose-dependent manner with superior efficacy to famotidine.These results suggest the strong anti-ulcer and antioxidant potential of Quercus ilex.