ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (1), pp. 001-005, January, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Anti-ulcerogenic properties of methanolic root extract of Piliostigma reticulatum (DC) Hoechst (Syn. Bauhinia reticulate DC) -Leguminosae in rats
Salawu, O. A.1, Tijani, A. Y.1*, Obidike, I. C.1, Rafindadi, H. A.2 and Emeje, M.3
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu, Abuja, Nigeria.
2Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
3Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw material, Development National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu, Abuja, Nigeria.
Accepted 22 October, 2011
Abstract
Piliostigma reticulatum (DC) Hoechst (Syn. Bauhinia reticulate DC) - Leguminosae is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine against peptic ulcer. Effects of its methanolic root extract on basal gastric acid secretion and on ethanol and piroxicam-induced ulceration in rats were evaluated in this study. The methanolic extract evoked a dose-dependent decrease in gastric secretion and significantly (P < 0.05) reduced ulcer index induced by ethanol (27.3 - 63.60%) and piroxicam (6.25 - 68.75%). Histopathological studies of rat stomach tissues from control and extract-treated groups at 100 mg/kg b.w extract showed inflammation characterized by eosinophil infiltration, while the extract treated groups at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w showed no obvious lesions and this is comparable to misoprostol (400 mg/kg b.w) treated group. These findings indicate the cytoprotective effects of the extract against ulceration and thus justify the folkloric uses of the plant in the symptomatic management of peptic ulcer.
Key words: Piliostigma reticulatum, leguminoseae, anti-ulcer activity, cytoprotective.