Antiulcerogenic Activity of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Croton zambesicus in Rats

Abstract

Croton zambesicus Muell. Arg. is often used in traditional medicine by Ibibios of Niger Delta region of Nigeria for the treatment of several diseases including gastrointestinal disorders especially ulcer. The antiulcer activity of the ethanolic extract of the crude leaf extract was investigated against indomethacin, ethanol and histamine – induced ulcer models in rats. The crude leaf extract of Croton zambesicus (200 – 600mg/kg) significantly (p<0.001) inhibited chemically – induced ulcers in rats. These effects may in part be due to phytochemical constituents of the extract. The results of this work suggest that the leaf extract of Croton zambesicus possesses antiulcer activity, supporting the ethnomedical use of the plant among the Ibibio tribe of Niger Delta.

Key Word: Croton zambesicus, antiulcer, gastroprotective, stomach, medicinal plant