ANTIULCER ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF BALIOSPERMUM MONTANUM IN ETHANOL AND INDOMETHACIN INDUCED ULCER MODELS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of standardized methanolic extract of Baliospermum montanum root and to find out the possible mechanism of this activity. The root extract was evaluated in ethanol and Indomethacin induced ulcer model separately. The ulcer healing effect was studied in wistar albino rats by scoring the ulcer index. The biochemical parameters like reduced Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Nitrates and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were individually studied for both the models at a dose level of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The preliminary phytochemical studies show identification of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids. The ulcer index study revealed that the ulcer was reduced significantly in both the models. The biochemical study suggested a marked increase in level of GSH, SOD and Nitrates and decreased lipid peroxidation after the administration of the extract at both dose levels. The result indicated that the extract may exhibited the antiulcer activity due to antioxidant action as it reduced the oxidative stress and consequently improved the integrity of gastric mucosa and enhances the generation of nitric oxide and mucus.