Evaluation of the Antiulcer Activity of the Leaves of Azadirachta indica: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Azadirachta indica, an evergreen tree, is used by several folkloric practitioners to treat peptic ulcers in India. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antiulcer activity of the aqueous extract (AE) of the leaves of A. indica in Wistar rats. Methods: Gastric ulcerations were induced by pyloric ligation, aspirin, and cold restraint stress. AE was used in doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg body weight per os. Distilled water served as the control and ranitidine 20 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneal as the reference standard. The ulcer index (UI) and percentage inhibition (PI) values were determined in each model. The volume of gastric contents, free acidity, total acidity, and pH were measured in the pyloric ligation-induced ulcer model. Results: AE showed a dose-dependent and significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the UI and an increase in the PI in all models employed compared to the control group. AE caused a dose-dependent decline in the gastric content volume, free acidity, and total acidity. Conclusion: The leaves of A. indica possess significant antiulcer activity and act via multiple mechanisms.