PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND ANTI-ULCER EVALUATION OF THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF THE LEAVES OF HOLARRHENA FLORIBUNDA (G. DON) T.DURAND&SCHINZ (APOCYNACEAE) ON ETHANOL INDUCED ULCERATIVE WISTAR RATS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Holarrhena floribunda (G. Don) T.Durand&Schinz (Apocynaceae), is a medicinal plant with various pharmacological activities including anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, analgesic, trypanocidal and so on but the anti-ulcer activity of this plant has not been reported. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating some pharmacognostic parameters and anti-ulcer activity of methanol extract of the leaves of Holarrhena floribunda in an experimental animal model. Fresh leaves of the plant were collected, air-dried and extracted with methanol by cold maceration; extract was dried on water bath at 50°C and stored in air tight container. Microscopic analysis, phytochemical analysis, and thin layer chromatography were carried out according to standard procedures. The anti-ulcer activity was evaluated by ethanol induced wistar rats, the effect of extract (100, 200 and 400mg/kg) was compared with Omeprazole (20 mg/kg) as the standard drug and histological analysis of the stomach of ethanol induced ulcerative wistar rats was also conducted. Microscopic analysis showed presence of spongy parenchyma cells, xylem, phloem and wavy striated epidermal cell wall. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids and absence of quinones and saponins. Thin layer chromatography revealed Rf values of 0.93, 0.59 and 0.31. The leaf extract showed noteworthy anti-ulcer activity in a non-dose dependent manner by decreasing ulcer index and decreasing ulcer site in histological analysis. From these data, it has been concluded that the methanol extract of Holarrhena floribunda showed noteworthy anti-ulcer activity due to presence of one or more active constituents and could serve as a source for the development of new drugs used in the treatment and management of ulcer. Also, the pharmacognostic indices of the plant could be used for correct identification of the plant.
Keywords: Holarrhena floribunda, Anti-ulcer, Ethanol
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