Purpose:
To
investigate the activity of Feronia elephantum fruit
pulp extract (which is used in folk medicine) against
indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats.
Methods:
The
fruit
pulp was extracted with ethanol and the anti-ulcer
activity of the extract in indomethacin-induced gastric
ulceration in Swiss albino rats was evaluated. The
parameters assessed were pH and acid concentration of
gastric contents, and gastric ulcer index. Ranitidine
was used as the reference anti-ulcer drug. Acute
toxicity studies were also carried out.
Results:
The extract (500 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited
indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration by decreasing
acid concentration of gastric fluid while elevating its
pH (p < 0.01), and compared well with the standard
drug, ranitidine (p < 0.001). However, its anti-ulcer
activity was not as potent as that of ranitidine. Acute
toxicity studies showed that there was no mortality
following the administration of the extract in a dose
range of 250 - 5000 mg/kg, p.o..
Conclusion:
Feronia elephantum fruit pulp extract has potent
antiulcer activity with low toxicity. Its anti-ulcer
property probably acts via a reduction in gastric acid
secretion. The results obtained support the use of this
herbal material in folk medicine.
Keywords:
Anti-ulcer; Feronia elephantum (Corr.); Indomethacin;
Ulcer; Gastric acidity
