Evaluation of anti-ulcer activity of methanolic extract Combretum paniculatum Vent. in rats and mice using pylorus –ligation induced model

Combretum paniculatum (CP) vent is popularly used in traditional medicine to treat peptic ulcer disease. The anti-ulcer activities of 80% methanol leaf extract of CP was evaluated in rats and mice. The effects of CP extract on gastric ulcer in rats and mice in pylorus ligation –induced model was studied using varying concentrations (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight). Omeprazole (20mg/kg body weight) was used as the reference drug. Parameters such as volume, PH of gastric fluid, ulcer sore, percentage ulceration, percent inhibition of the ulcer sore, ulcer index and percent inhibition of ulcer index were determined. Histopathological study was also conducted. Data were analyzed using One-way analysis of variance followed by Tuckey’s post hoc test and P< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant as well as P< 0.01 as statistically highly significant. The oral median Lethal dose (LD50) was found to be greater than 2000mg/kg, phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides and steroids were found to be present while saponins were found to be absent. CP highly significantly (P<0.01) reduced gastric ulcer index by 49.6%, 62.4% and 87.6% , CP posseses both dose-dependent and time dependent anti-ulcer activities. This study validates the anti-ulcer pharmacological activities of this plant, further investigation should be carried out to isolate specific phytochemicals as well as authenticate the mechanisms of action responsible for these activities.