Evaluation of anti-ulcerogenic properties from the root of Flemingia strobilifera

PURPOSE: To investigate the anti-ulcerogenic properties of the chloroform extract of Flemingia strobilifera root in rats. METHODS: Anti-ulcer effect was evaluated by water immersion induced ulcer in rats. Other anti-ulcer related activities of the extract such as the effects on free radicals and antimicrobial activity were also evaluated. RESULTS: Chloroform extract of Flemingia strobilifera root was found to be safe up to 300 mg/kg body weight when administrated orally in female wistar rats. Water immersion stress produced characteristic lesions in the glandular portion of the rat stomach. Pretreatment with Chloroform extract of Flemingia strobilifera root reduced the characteristic lesions in a dose dependent manner (P<0.001) when compared with the control. Pretreatment with Chloroform extract of Flemingia strobilifera root at a dose of 15 and 30 mg/kg body wt. increased the gastric mucosal glutathione level, total protein content significantly (P<0.001) as compared to control group. Whereas there is significant (P<0.05, P<0.001) reduction in gastric mucosal Malonaldehyde levels when compared to control. Free radical scavenging activity of Chloroform extract of Flemingia strobilifera root was observed in the concentration range tested, the IC50 value was calculated. Antimicrobial activity of the Chloroform extract of Flemingia strobilifera root exhibited activity against both gram positive and negative bacteria at concentration of 10 mg/ml. CONCLUSION: The root extract of Flemingia strobilifera possess antiulcerogenic properties could justify folklore uses of the plant in peptic ulcer diseases.