Evaluation of acute toxicity and antiulcer activity of Pepgard tablet: An Ayurvedic formulation

BACKGROUND: In traditional Indian medicine, several plants have been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, including gastric ulcers. Pepgard tablet is an Ayurvedic compound formulation widely used in clinical practice as an antacid for treating nonulcer dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux, and drug-induced gastritis. AIM: Evaluation of acute toxicity of Pepgard tablet and antiulcer activity against gastric ulcer induced by aspirin plus pyloric ligation in albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute toxicity was studied as per OECD 425 guideline at a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg in female albino rats. Antiulcer activity was assessed by aspirin plus pyloric ligation model at two dose levels (90 and 180 mg/kg, po). Gastric juice parameters, stomach tissue parameters, and histopathological study along with an assessment of ulcer index were assessed. RESULTS: Pepgard did not produce any toxicity or lethality at a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg and was found safe in female albino rats. Pepgard at both dose levels showed an antiulcer effect as evidenced by an increase in pH value, decreased acidity, and peptic activity of gastric juice along with a decrease in ulcer index and increased antioxidant status of damaged gastric mucosa as revealed by an increase in catalase, glutathione, etc., in stomach homogenate of albino rats. CONCLUSION: The present study of Pepgard tablet revealed its safety in acute toxicity studies and can be categorized as substances with low health hazard potential. Pepgard has been shown to be effective as an antacid, anti-ulcer, and to have gastroprotective effects against experimentally-induced ulcerogenesis in albino rats.