Chemical Characterization and Gastroprotective Potential of the Juice of Plinia peruviana (Myrtaceae)

Background/Objectives: Plinia peruviana (Myrtaceae), commonly known as jabuticabeira, is a fruit-bearing species native to Brazil and traditionally used for gastrointestinal disorders. The present study evaluated the gastroprotective potential of P. peruviana juice (SPP) and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. Methods: SPP was obtained by manual pressing of peeled fruits, followed by lyophilization. Following chemical characterization, gastroprotective activity was assessed in Swiss mice (Mus musculus) using ethanol, acidified ethanol, and indomethacin-induced gastric injury models. SPP was administered orally at doses of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg. The roles of gastric mucus, sulfhydryl (SH) groups, nitric oxide (NO), α2-adrenergic receptors, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were investigated. Results: Chemical analysis identified caffeoylquinic acid, p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, citric acid, (−)-epicatechin, myricetin, and trans-β-cryptoxanthin. SPP significantly reduced gastric lesion indices by 78.44%, 62.12%, and 52.88% in the ethanol model; 79.10%, 74.12%, and 37.72% in the acidified ethanol model; and 53.19%, 35.55%, and 22.84% in the indomethacin model at 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Mechanistic studies demonstrated increased mucus and PGE2 production, SH group levels, NO signaling, and α2-adrenergic receptor involvement, as well as reduced MPO activity. Conclusions: SPP exhibits gastroprotective effects by enhancing mucosal defense mechanisms and modulating inflammatory and oxidative processes. These results support the biological potential of P. peruviana juice and its bioactive constituents as promising gastroprotective agents.