Phytochemical and Antiulcer Investigations of Combined <i>Emilia coccinea</i> and <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> Leaves Aqueous Extract

Abstract

Emilia coccinea and Ocimum gratissimum are medicinal plants that are widely used traditionally for the management of various diseases. This work aimed  at evaluating the phytochemical constituents and antiulcer activity of the aqueous extract of combined Emilia coccinea and Ocimum gratissimum leaves.  The phytochemical screening was conducted on the extract using standard methods. The anti-ulcerogenic effect was determined using ranitidine-  induced gastric ulcer model. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpenes, saponins and flavonoids. At a dose of  200 mg/kg, the extract showed the highest percentage inhibition of ulcer index (UI), being 100% from the anti-ulcer evaluation. This research showed that  E. coccinea and O. gratissimum are rich in medicinal compounds that could be active against many diseases including ulcer.