Is linum usitatissimum seed a potential medicine in the therapy of peptic ulcer?

Abstract

Abstract:

The spasmolytic and indomethacin-induced ulcer protective effects of Linum usitatissimum seed in guinea pig ileum and mouse stomach, respectively, were investigated. The water extract of the whole seed, after being soaked for different periods, was employed to test it spasmolytic effect and its protective action against experimental ulcerogenesis. The extract was observed to show significant spasmolytic activity and protective effect against experimental ulcerogenesis (p < 0.01). Both effects were observed to increase with increase in the soaking period (p < 0.01). The present findings suggest that the seed of Linum usitatissimum could be a potential medicine in peptic ulcer therapy. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1996; 10(2):79-82]