Background and Objective: Although Ferula spices have been used in traditional medicine, their therapeutic effects on gastric ulcers have not yet been proven in modern medicine. In this study we examined the healing effects of the root powder of Ferula Ovina against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in male rats.

Materials and Method: In this experimental study 56 male rats (280-320gr) were randomly divided into four treatment groups (n=8) and three control groups. 72 hours after fasting, indomethacin (30mg/kg) was administered orally  in all groups (except in normal control). After 5 hours, the root powder suspension was administered in four doses (125, 250, 500, 1000mg/kg) while in the positive control groups omeprazole (20mg/kg) was administered orally and in the normal control group equal distilled water was administered two times per day for two weeks. In the negative control group, treatment intervention was not performed. After completion of treatment period (two weeks), the animals were killed and stomach ulcers were examined both macroscopically and microscopically.

Results: All different concentrations of Ferula root powder suspension were effective in treating gastric ulcers especially 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses which proved to be the most effective (100%). In the 125 mg/kg dose, stomach ulcers were observed in 2 out of 6 mice (33.33%). In the omeprazole group, ulcer healing was observed in 2 of 5 rats (40%). All animals in the negative control group expired without any effect on gastric ulcers. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the treatment groups and the omeprazole group.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that root powder of Ferula Ovina is more effective in healing indomethacin -induced ulcers in comparison to omeprazole.