Anti-Ulcer Potential of <i>Erythrina Senegalensis</i> DC Stem Bark

Abstract

The anti-ulcer property of Erythrina senegalensis De Candolle stem bark has been studied. The anti-ulcer property was investigated using the indomethacin-induced ulcer model. Phytochemical tests were carried out to determine the secondary metabolites present in the extract. The toxicity test was done to ascertain the toxicity profile, and the effect of the extract on acetylcholineinduced contraction was investigated. The chemical tests revealed the presence of varying amounts of alkaloids, reducing sugars, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, proteins, fats and oils. The result indicated that the extract exhibited significant (p<0.05) dose – dependent anti-ulcer activity at the two dose levels tested.

Keywords: Anti-ulcer, Erythrina senegalensis, stem bark, phytochemical test

Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 8 No 1 pp. 67 - 71 (September 2010)