Antiulcerogenic activity of methanol extract from Ipomoea asarifolia leaves in Wistar rats

Abstract

The phytochemical constituents and the antiulcerogenic activity of methanolic extract from Ipomoea asarifolia leaf were investigated to ascertain its medicinal potentials. The study revealed that the leaf contained saponins, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and eugenols. The methanolic extract was used as a protective agent against gastric ulcer in Wistar rats, using the experimental model of gastric ulcer (lesion) induced by ethanol. The ulcer count for the methanol extract ranged from 0.00 to 2.00, while the ulcer index ranged between 0.33 to 2.00 for all concentrations (100, 200 and 400mg/kg). Percentage inhibition at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg were respectively 25.09%, 12.73% and 87.64%. The extract prevented acute gastric mucosal injury induced by absolute ethanol in a non dose-dependent manner. This is because the protective action was observed at the lowest and highest doses, but not an intermediate dose of the extract. The results obtained indicate that the leaf extract has antiulcerogenic importance and may be utilized for the treatment of gastric ulcers.