Anti-ulcer activity of aqueous leaf extract of <i>Nauclea latifolia</i> (rubiaceae) on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Abstract

Nauclea latifolia is known to possess various therapeutic properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of aqueous leaf extract of N. latifolia against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Five groups of albino rats were pre-treated orally with: vehicle, distilled water (ulcer control), cimetidine (100 mg/kg, reference control), and 170, 340 and 510 mg/kg N. latifolia leaf extracts (experimental groups) respectively, 60 min prior to oral administration of indomethacin to generate gastric mucosal injury. Seven hours later, the animals were sacrificed by a blow on the head; their stomachs were removed and examined for ulcer index. The extract produced significant (P<0.05), and dose dependent anti-ulcer activity against indomethacin-induced ulcers in rats. These results suggest that the extract possesses significant anti-ulcer activity against experimentally induced gastric lesions and may justify its use as an anti-ulcerogenic agent.

Keywords: Anti-ulcer activity, Nauclea latifolia leaf, mucosal injury, indomethacin, rats

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(32), pp. 5080-5086