Evaluation of Anti-Ulcer Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Prosopis juliflora seeds in Wistar Albino Rats

Introduction

A peptic ulcer is defined as a breach in the integrity of the mucosa lining the stomach and/or duodenum that results in a localized defect or excavation due to active inflammation. Peptic ulcer disease is a major public health problem affecting 10% of the population worldwide. Prosopis juliflora is a widespread phreatophytic plant that has been used since ancient times for medicinal purposes. Prosopis juliflora contains bioactive components such as tannins, flavonoids, terpenes and phenolic compounds which possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, anticancer, antifungal, antihelminthic and immunostimulant properties.

Aim

This study evaluates the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Prosopis juliflora seeds using pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcerations in Wistar albino rats.

Materials and Methods

Wistar albino rats were allocated into five groups of five rats each in the pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model. Group I rats were administered normal saline at a dosage of 2 mL/kg p.o., in Group ll rats pyloric ligation alone was done, Group III received standard drug Omeprazole 20 mg/kg p.o, Group IV received Prosopis juliflora seed extract 250 mg/kg p.o and Group V received Prosopis juliflora seed extract 500 mg/kg p.o. In all three groups (Group III-V), drugs were given orally 1 hr prior to pylorus ligation which was carried out under aseptic precautions. 48 hr post pylorus ligation, the rats were anesthetised and the stomach was cut open along the greater curvature to evaluate the ulcer index, gastric pH, free acidity, total acidity and for conducting gross examination of the stomach.

Results

Phytochemical evaluation of ethanolic extract of P. juliflora seeds indicated the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones and phenolic compounds which possess pharmaceutical properties such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anti-ulcer activities. Pretreatment of Wistar rats with P. juliflora seed extract at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in mean ulcer index and mean ulcer severity score with p value <0.001 compared to the positive control. The gastric secretory parameters were also significantly reduced by P. juliflora 500mg/kg with p value <0.001. Group III (Omeprazole) and Group V (P. juliflora 500 mg/kg) treated rats showed 63.49% and 53.72% gastroprotection, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the ethanolic extract of P. juliflora seeds has potent antiulcer activity and could be considered as a potential alternative source to develop new antiulcer agents.