ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC SARCOSTEMMA ACIDUM STEM EXTRACT

The use of natural herbs for the prevention or treatment of ailments gives sound recommendations fostering the development of quality medicines with excellent phytonutrients. So, attempt was made to test the antiulcer activity of selected plant. Objective of the study was to evaluate the gastric anti-ulcer activity of ethanolic extract of Sarcostemma acidus (ESA) stem in experimental animals. Antiulcer activity of ESA was investigated in indomethacin induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. In models, the parameters determined were ulcer index and % protection, pH and gastric volume. The extract (150 mg/kg) showed significant (P <0.001) reduction in ulcer index and % protection as compared to control. It can be concluded that ESA possess anti ulcerogenic property due to the presence of flavonoids and antioxidants which can scavenge free radicals responsible of ulcer induction.