Antiulcerogenic and antidiarrhoeal potentials of methanolic extract of Pausinystalia macroceras stem-bark in rats

Abstract

The effect of methanolic extract of Pausinystalia macroceras stem-bark on experimentally induced ulceration and diarrhoea was investigated in rats. The extract (17.5 - 350 mg/kg) dose dependently, reduced significantly (p < 0.001) the ulcer indices induced by indomethacin, ethanol and reserpine in a dose related manner. Cimetidine (100mg/kg), a H2 receptor blocker reduced the ulcer indices (p< 0.001) induced by indomethacin and reserpine. The extract also reduced the intestinal propulsive movement, castor oil induced diarrhoea and intestinal fluid accumulation. Yohimbine (1mg/kg), an α₂ adrenoceptor blocker attenuated the anti-diarrhoeal effect of the extract. The results indicated that its antiulcerogenic and antidiarrhoeal effects might in part be due to its blocking effect on H₂ receptor, protection from oxygen derived free that radicals damage on rat gastric mucosa and its α₂ adrenoceptor stimulation respectively.

Keywords: Pausinystalia macroceras, antiulcerogenic, antidiarrhoeal, methanol, rats

Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol. 9 2005: 63-67