Pharmacological Evaluation of the Antiulcer Activity of Ricinus communis L. Using In vitro Models

Background: Peptic ulcer disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder resulting from an imbalance between aggressive factors such as gastric acid and defensive mechanisms of the gastric mucosa. Medicinal plants are widely explored as potential sources of safer antiulcer agents. The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro antiulcerogenic activity of Ricinus communis L. leaf extract. Materials and Methods: The antiulcer potential of the extract was evaluated using H⁺/K⁺-ATPase inhibition and Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) assays. Different concentrations of the extract were tested and compared with standard drugs. The inhibitory effect on gastric proton pump activity and the ability to neutralize gastric acid were determined. Results: The extract exhibited concentration-dependent H⁺/K⁺-ATPase inhibitory activity, with percentage inhibition increasing from 26.15% to 61.54% over the tested concentration range. In the ANC assay, the extract demonstrated appreciable acid-neutralizing activity, indicating its ability to reduce gastric acidity. Although the activity was lower than that of the standard drugs, the extract showed significant antiulcer-related effects in both experimental models. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Ricinus communis L. leaf extract possesses promising in vitro antiulcerogenic properties through inhibition of gastric acid secretion and neutralization of excess acid. These results support its potential use as a natural therapeutic agent for the management of peptic ulcer disease and warrant further pharmacological investigations.