Antiulcer Activity of Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Byrsocarpus coccineus (Connaraceae) in Rats

Abstract

Background: Byrsocarpus coccineus is a shrub employed traditionally in West Africa as medicinal remedy for various diseases, including treatment of wounds. The plant has been reported to possess antioxidant phytochemical constituents and activity.

Objective: To evaluate the gastroprotective effects of the hydroethanolic leaf extract ofByrsocarpus coccineusin different ulcer models in rats.

Materials and Methods: The ethanol, indomethacin, cold restraint stress and pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer models were employed in this study to investigate the antiulcer activity of B. coccineus administered at doses of 50, 100,200 and 400 mg/kg. Post-extract and standard drugs treatment, and ulcer induction, stomach tissues extracted from rats were scored for ulcer using the Magistretti scale and corresponding ulcer index were calculated. In addition, estimation of gastric juice pH, volume and titratable acidity were done in the pylorus ligation model. Also, assay of antioxidant indices \ as done in the cold restraint stress model.

Results: B. coccineus(50-400 mg/kg) produced a significant (p<0.05) inhibition of ulcer score and index in all the models used, with peak significant inhibition being 54.28%, 42.63%, 73. 9% and 24.19°;0. respectively for the ethanol indomethacin, cold restraint stress and pylorus ligation models. In the cold restraint stress model, B. coccineu extract at the lowest dose significantly increased (p<0.05) the level of superoxide dismutase compared with control. The extract did not significantly change (p>O.05) the volume and pH of gastric juice in the pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model.

Conclusion: The findings in this study showed that the hydroethanolic leaf extract ofByrsocarpus coccineus possesses antiulcer activity possibly via one or a combination of mechanisms, including stimulation of the actions of prostaglandins and in-vivo antioxidant activity, and inhibition of actions of relevant endogenous mediators.