Raised Gastric Hydrochloric Acid Levels in Gnetum Africana Consump- tion but Low Levels in Talinum Trangulare Admixture

Abstract

Altered gastric physiology in albino rats fed with aqueous extract of Gnetum africana and Talinum triangulare (water leaf) was investigated in gastric hydrochloric acid secretion for the period of 7, 21 and 28 days. The results of mean acid output in the test group that received Gnetum Africana extract alone was significantly increased P <0.05 on day 7 as compared with control group which was same on days 21 and 28. However, the mean acid output was significantly de- creased, P <0.05 when compared with control on day 7 and 21 respectively. In the test group that received Gnetum afri- cana and Talinum triangulare extract there was significant decrease in gastric Hydrochloric acid after days 7 and 21 and more significantly decreased in 28 days, P < 0.01 as compared with control. But there was decrease mean hydrochloric acid output in Gnetum africana and Talinum triangulare mixture than Gnetum africana alone. It is concluded that increase consumption of Gnetum africana has the tendency of increasing gastric Hydrochloric acid secretion and likely associated pathology; gastric ulcer.