Evaluation of the antiulcer property of the leaf extract of <i>Asystasia gangetica</i> (l.) T. Anderson. (acanthaceae) in rats

Abstract

The leaves of Asystasia gangetica (Creeping fox-glove) are used to treat gastric ulcers, rheumatism, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation by herbal medicine practitioners in southern Nigeria. The aim of the present study is to investigate the antiulcer potentials of the hydro-methanol leaf extract of A. gangetica . The dried leaves (480 g) of A.gangetica were extracted in 50% methanol. Apparently healthy Wistar rats (150-180 g) of either sex were used for this study. Oral LD₅₀ was evaluated.. The protective effect of the extract was evaluated on each of indomethacin-, ethanol-, and stress-induced ulcer models. For each model, overnight-fasted rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=5) comprising 200 and 400 mg/kg dried extract, 20 mg/kg omeprazole, and 10 ml/kg distilled water. Treatments were done per os one hour before induction of ulcers. The animals were afterwards sacrificed under diethylether anesthesia and stomach of each, excised for macroscopic examination and calculation of ulcer index. The oral LD₅₀ was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The extract-treated groups at all doses had a significantly lower (p<0.01) ulcer indices compared to the distilled water-treated group. In the ethanol and indomethacin models 400 mg/kg of the extract gave results that were not significantly different from those of 20 mg/kg omeprazole. In the stress-induced ulcer model, 400 mg/kg caused a significantly lower (p<0.01) ulcer index compared to 20 mg/kg omeprazole. Leaf extract of A. gangetica appears to be safe in acute doses and possesses antiulcer properties.

Key words: Asystasia gangetica, ethanol, indomethacin, gastro-protection, gastric ulcer