Anti-ulcerant Activity of an Aqueous Fruit Extract of <i>Musa x para-disiaca</i> on Acetic Acid-Induced Gastric Ulceration in ICR Mice

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease has and continues to cause high mortality in Ghana and other countries worldwide. This study investigates the anti-ulcerant effect of an aqueous fruit extract of Musa x paradisiaca and its possible receptor site of action to verify and ascertain its traditional use. Phyto-chemical analyses on the extract revealed the presence of alkaloid, tannins, saponin, glycosides and flavonoids. Thin layer and high performance liquid chromatography analyses performed on the extract to establish fingerprint chromatograms showed four spots and three peaks respectively. Acetic acid–induced (0.2 ml; 8%) gastric ulceration in ICR mice treated with 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/kg of the extract and 0.3 mg/kg Esomeprazole significantly decreased the ulcerative index (P ≤ 0.001) and the number of ulcers formed per stomach and increased curative ratio (P ≤ 0.01 - 0.001). Histopathological studies of gastric mucosa showed corrections in the architectural distor-tions caused by the acetic acid-induced ulceration. Contractile effect of histamine on the isolated guinea-pig ileum was significantly inhibited (P ≤ 0.001) by Mepyramine and the extract. The aque-ous fruit extract of Musa x paradisiaca has anti-ulcerant property in ICR mice and possibly works as an antagonist to histamine receptors.

Keywords: Ulcer, traditional medicine, rodent, Musa x paradisiaca, acetic acid.