Full Length Research Paper
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.
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