Dual Protective Effects of Taraxacum officinale Ethanolic Extract against Cephalosporin-induced Anemia and HCl/Ethanol-induced Gastric Ulcer in Wistar Rats

Background: Taraxacum officinale, a traditional medicinal plant in Africa and notably Algeria, is widely used for its hematopoietic and gastrointestinal benefits. It is believed to stimulate red blood cell production and protect against gastric ulcers. This study aimed to evaluate the erythropoietic and antiulcer effects of its ethanolic extract in Wistar rats. Methods: In the anemia model, 25 male rats were divided into four groups. Anemia was induced using cephalosporin (10 mg/kg) for 10 days, while treatment groups received ethanolic extract of T. officinale (EETO) (200 mg/kg, twice daily). Blood samples were analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters. For the ulcer model, gastric lesions were induced with HCl/ethanol (1.50 mMol/60%) and treated with EETO (200 mg/kg) for 7 days. Gastric tissue was examined microscopically and malondialdehyde levels were measured. Result: In anemic rats, T. officinale significantly increased red blood cells RBCs (52.10%), hemoglobin (38.56%), iron (50.95%) and several vitamins and minerals while reducing erythropoietin. In the ulcer model, the EETOreduced ulceration by 68% and oxidative stress markers. Histology confirmed mucosal protection. These findings support the therapeutic potential of Taraxacum officinale against anemia and gastric ulcers.