Abstract

This paper evaluated anti-ulcer, anti-secretory and anti-helicobacter pylori effects of folkloric medicinal plant, Fumaria vaillantii L., in rats. Different toxic agents; ethanol (80%), NaOH (0.2 mol/L), NaCl (25%) and indomethacin (30 mg/kg, body weight) were used to produce acute gastric ulceration in rats. Anti-secretory studies were undertaken by using pylorus-ligation, Shay rat technique. F. vaillantii L aqueous extract (Aq-FV) was used in three doses (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg bodyweight). Aq-FV was further tested for anti-H. pylori activity. Extract significantly attenuated gastric mucosal damage induced by toxic agents and indomethacin in rats. Aq-FV restored partially mucus secretion in indomethacin model. In pylorus-ligated rats, Aq-FV significantly reduced the basal gastric acid secretion, acidity and ulceration. Aq-FV possesses significant and more potent anti-ulcer and cytoprotective activities against experimentally-induced gastric ulcers in comparison to Omeprazole. Extract showed significant but less potent anti-H. pylori activity in comparison to Clarithromycin. Evaluation agreed with the folkloric use of F.  vaillantii L as anti-ulcer and anti-secretory tool.

Key words: Fumaria vaillantii L, cytoprotection, gastric ulcer, gastric secretion, gastric wall mucus, anti-helicobacter pylori.