A study on anti-ulcer potential of the ethanol extract of stem bark of F. religiosa against in vivo indomethacin
Keywords:
Ficus religiosa, stem bark, ethanol extract, gastric ulcer,, pylorus ligation, indomethacin, cold stress induced gastric ulcers, ulcer index.Abstract
Ficus religiosa is being used in Ayurvedic and Malay traditional medicine for the treatment of various
diseases including gastric ulcer. Considering the above claims, the present work was undertaken to
validate the anti-ulcer potential of the ethanol extract of stem bark of F. religiosa against in vivo
indomethacin- and cold restrained stress-induced gastric ulcer, and pylorus ligation assays. The
extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the ulcer index in all assays used. The
extract also significantly (P<0.05) and increased the pH of gastric acid while at the same time reduced
the volume of gastric juice and, free and total acidities. In conclusion, the present study provide
preliminary data on the antiulcer potential of F. religiosa stem bark and support the traditional uses of
the plant for the treatment of gastric ulcer.
