Gastro-protective effects of the methanolic extract of the rind of citrullus lanatus on indomethacin induced gastric ulceration in male wistar rats

Abstract

Objectives: Study investigated methanolic extract of rind of Citrullus lanatus for possible benefit in ameliorating indomethacin induced gastric ulceration. Methodology: Adult male Wistar rats were assigned 5 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 received extract vehicle; Groups 2, 3 and 4 received 100mg/kg, 200mg/ kg and 500mg/kg bw of extract; Group 5 received 200mg/kg bw of cimetidine. Treatment was orally for 21days. Gastric ulcer was subsequently induced by oral indomethacin. Gastric juice volume, acid concentration, ulcer index, percentage ulcer inhibition was determined. Photomicrograph sections of the gastric mucosa of the various groups were obtained. Results: Compared to cimetidine, extract protected gastric mucosa against indomethacin induced gastric ulceration with significant reduction in gastric juice volume, acid concentration and ulcer index and increase in percent ulcer inhibition in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05); consistent with gastric histological changes. Conclusion: Extract of the rind of Citrullus lanatus exerts potential gastro-protective effects against indomethacin induced gastric ulceration in male Wistar rats.