Abstract

A RESEARCH ON ANTIULCER ACTIVITY OF MEDICINAL PLANT

Rameshwar B. Shewale*, Eknath K. Mahajan, Hansraj B. Teple, Ashwini D. Kale, Suchita S. Lathi, Kushabu Sahu and Goutam Kumar

ABSTRACT

Peptic ulcers, a common gastrointestinal disorder, are primarily caused by an imbalance between protective and harmful factors in the gastric environment, such as excess acid secretion, Helicobacter pylori infection, or the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While conventional therapies, including proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists, are widely used, their side effects and relapse rates prompt the need for alternative treatments. This study explores the antiulcer potential of selected medicinal plants known for their gastroprotective properties. The research focuses on preclinical evaluation using animal models subjected to ulcerogenic factors, followed by treatment with extracts from plants traditionally used in ethnomedicine for their antiulcer effects. Key parameters such as ulcer index, gastric secretion, mucosal protection, andistopathological analysis were assessed. Our findings indicate that the plant extracts significantly reduced the ulcer index and enhanced gastric mucosal defense mechanisms, likely due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. These compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties, contributing to the healing of gastric ulcers. The results suggest that the selected medicinal plants hold promise as a natural therapeutic option for peptic ulcers, potentially offering fewer side effects and improved patient outcomes compared to conventional drug treatments. Further investigation, including clinical trials, is necessary to fully understand the safety and efficacy of these plant-based therapies.

Keywords: Peptic Ulcer, Medicinal Plants, Antiulcer Activity.