Effect of Alpinia calcarata rhizomes on ethanol – induced gastric ulcers in rats

A study to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of hot water extract (HWE) of Alpinia calcarata Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) rhizomes was carried out. Three doses (500, 750, 1000 mg/kg) of HWE was evaluated for gastroprotective activity against ethanol induced gastric ulcers in rats. Oral administration of HWE provided dose dependent (r2 = 0.98) and significant (P< 0.05) protection against gastric damage caused by ethanol. The gastroprotective effect of HWE was superior to that of cimetidine, the reference drug. The HWE significantly (P< 0.05) inhibited gastric volume, acidity (total and free) and significantly (P< 0.05) increased the gastric pH. On the other hand, gastric mucosal secretion remained unaltered. Further, HWE possessed significant (P< 0.05) antihistamine activity. The HWE was well tolerated: no overt signs of toxicity, hepatotoxicity (in terms of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase) or renotoxicity (as judged by serum urea and creatinie). It is concluded that HWE of A. calcarata rhizome has strong and safe gastroprotective activity.