Study of Chlorophytum arundinaceum against experimental gastric ulcer

Abstract

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of a 50% alcohol extract of Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker (CAE) against ethanol-induced pylorus ligation and cold stress-induced experimental gastric ulcer. The CAE was given at the dose of 100 mg/kg, p.o., in all the models, and results of those were compared with that of animals treated with omeprazole 20 mg/kg, p.o. (reference standard). Ulcer index was a common evaluating parameter in all the models. In the pylorus ligation model, acid secretory parameters (total acid, pepsin activity, and total acid output) and mucoprotective parameters (total carbohydrate, total protein, and mucin activity) were studied. In addition, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity were specifically studied in cold stress-induced gastric ulcer model. Effects on vascular permeability as well as gastric emptying were also studied. CAE has shown significant protection in gastric ulceration as evident from reduction (p < 0.05) in ulcer index in all the models. In the pylorus ligation model, CAE showed significant increase in mucin activity, but no significant change was observed on acid secretory parameters. Besides, CAE has shown antioxidant activity in gastric mucosal homogenate where it reversed the increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the decreased level of catalase content. Further, CAE has shown reduction in vascular permeability and gastric emptying. Hence, it is suggested that Chlorophytum arundinaceum possesses significant antiulcer activity. The mechanism of its activity is associated with strengthening of the gastric mucosal barrier. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd.