Evaluation of the Antiulcer Properties of<i> Pseudocedrela kotschyi</i> Stem Bark Extract

Abstract

Aqueous stem bark extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi, Harms (Meliaceae) was investigated for antiulcer activity. The extract neither contracted nor relaxed the isolated guinea pig ileum. It however, inhibited the contraction evoked by acetylcholine and histamine in a doserelated manner. Gastrointestinal motility in mice was significantly (p<0.05) inhibited. In this respect, the percentage distance traveled by the charcoal meal was 33.4 + 6.90% in the control group compared to 8.8 ± 5.24% traveled in the group given 80 mg/kg of the extract. The extract significantly protected rats against ulcers induced by aspirin. In this regard 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of the extract produces 61.0% and 88.5% ulcer protection respectively. The above results tend to suggest a non-specific action. The exact mechanism of ulcer protection is not clearly understood but could be attributed to the several bioactive constituents present in the stem bark.


Discovery and Innovation Vol. 13 no. 3/4 December (2001) pp. 132-135



KEY WORDS:

antiulcer, Pseudocedrela kotschyi, stem bark