Anti-ulcer activity of Adhatoda vasica Nees.

Adhatoda vasica Nees (Acantheceae), commonly known as Vasaka, is a well-known plant in indigenous systems of medicine and is used for its beneficial effects, particularly in bronchitis. The present investigation was carried out to study the anti-ulcer activity of Adhatoda vasica leaves using two ulcer models (1) Ethanol-induced, and (2) Pylorus ligation plus aspirin-induced models. Adhatoda vasica leaf powder showeda considerable degree of anti-ulcer activity in experimental rats when compared with a control. The highest degree of activity (80%) was observed in the ethanol-induced ulceration model. Results of the study suggest that in addition to its classically established pharmacological activities, the plant also has immense potential as an anti-ulcer agent of great therapeutic relevance.