Antiulcer activity of aqueous stembark extract of Hymenocardia acida Tul (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract

The antiulcer activity of an aqueous extract of Hymenocardia acida was studied in rats. Ulcers were induced by indomethacin and serotonin, or by cold restraint stress. The extract was found to exhibit significant (P < 0.05) antiulcer activity in all the models studied. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of glycosides, saponins and tannins. The LD50 was found to be 483 mg/kg body weight. The extract had moderate antibacterial effects. © Swets & Zeitlinger.