Comparative Evaluation of White Quinoa and Tri‐Color Quinoa on Indomethacin‐Induced Gastrointestinal Damage

ABSTRACT

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as indomethacin, frequently cause gastric injury, often characterized by ulceration. This study investigated the comparative gastroprotective effects of white quinoa and tri‐color quinoa (a combination of red, black, and white varieties) in mitigating indomethacin‐induced gastric damage in male rats. Thirty‐six male rats were divided into dietary groups and administered quinoa‐supplemented diets for 21 days before gastric injury was induced using indomethacin. Biochemical markers, including TNF‐α and IL‐6, were assessed, and molecular docking was employed to examine the interactions of quinoa‐derived compounds, such as procyanidin B2 and cinchonain IB, with target proteins Atp4a, COX‐2, and NF‐κB. Tri‐color quinoa demonstrated greater efficacy than white quinoa, reducing mucosal necrosis by 83%, attenuating oxidative stress, and significantly enhancing anti‐inflammatory markers ( p  < 0.05). Furthermore, bioactive compounds showed strong binding affinities (−7.1 to −8.9 kcal/mol) to target proteins through hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions. Histological examination confirmed superior protection for the tri‐color group, displaying near‐normal mucosa (lesion score 0.4 vs. 2.4) and minimal submucosal edema. In conclusion, tri‐color quinoa provides more effective protection against NSAID‐induced gastric injury than white quinoa, likely due to its enhanced phytochemical profile and broader range of plant‐derived compounds that collectively reduce inflammation and preserve gastric mucosal integrity.