Protective effects of methanolic extract of Hedyotis puberula (G. Don) R. Br. ex Arn. against experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rat.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was aimed to evaluate the antiulcer activity of the whole plants of Hedyotis puberula (G. Don) R. Br. ex Arn.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Gastroprotective potential of the Hedyotis puberula methanol extract (200 and 400mg/kg body weight) was studied on indomethacin (IND), ethanol and pyloric ligation (PL)-induced gastric ulcer models in rats.

RESULTS

The treatment with Hedyotis puberula extract at 400mg/kg p.o. protected the rats against the ulceration which was comparable to the reference drug omeprazole. Pretreatment with extract protected rats from gastric lesion development by way of increased pH and decreased volume, acidity and pepsin content of gastric secretion. Furthermore, total carbohydrate: protein ratio of the gastric juice were noticeably increased in pretreated rats.

CONCLUSION

Results of our study showed that Hedyotis puberula possess significant gastroprotective activity and validate the folklore claim.