Evaluation of antiulcer activity of the aerial parts of caralluma dalzielii N. E. Brown in wistar rats

Abstract

The aerial part of Caralluma dalzielii has been used by traditional healers in the North-west Nigeria for the treatment of stomach related problems including pain in the epigastrium. The study evaluated the antiulcer activity of aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Caralluma dalzielii (AECD) in Wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis of AECD was determined. The antiulcer activity of AECD (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated in absolute ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models in Wistar rats following established methods. In the two models, ulcer indices and percentage gastroprotection were determined. Histopathological examination of the excised rats’ stomachs was carried out. The result of the phytochemical analysis of AECD showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols, and glycosides. AECD caused a significant (p <0.05-0.001) decrease in mean ulcer indices in absolute ethanol (83.4-100%) and indomethacin-induced (31.6-81.6%) ulcer models compared with the control. The decrease in the ulceration in the two models were dose-dependent. Histological assessment of the stomachs showed an increase in repair of the mucosal membrane as the dose of AECD increased. There was a complete repair of the mucosal membrane at 400 mg/kg in the absolute ethanol-induced model. In conclusion, the results suggest that AECD has antiulcer effect in the absolute ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models and this may be due to the presence of some bioactive compounds.