Evaluation of the antiulcerogenic activity of hydromethanol extracts of Solanum incanum L. (Solanaceae) leaves and roots in mice; single and repeated dose study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiulcer activity of hydromethanol extracts of Solanum incanum L. (Solanaceae) leaves and roots in mice. METHODS: The antiulcerogenic activity of the plant extracts were evaluated using Pylorus ligation and ethanol induced gastric ulcers in fasted mice. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA, and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULT:PYLORUS LIGATION-INDUCED ULCER: Single dose and repeated daily dose administration of the leaf and root extracts for 10 days didn't significantly (P > 0.05) affect pH, total acidity and volume of gastric secretion. Single dose of both extracts significantly reduced ulcer score (P = 0.036) and ulcer index (leaf, P = 0.037; root, P = 0.041) at the dose of 400 mg/kg. Similarly, significant reduction in ulcer score was observed after repeated daily treatment with 200 mg/kg (P = 0.030) and 400 mg/kg (P = 0.005) of the leaf extract and 400 mg/kg (P = 0.005) of the root extract. In addition, repeated administration of 400 mg/kg of the leaf (P = 0.004) and root (P = 0.005) extracts significantly reduced ulcer index. ETHANOL-INDUCED ULCER: Single dose of both extracts significantly reduced ulcer score at the dose of 200 mg/kg (leaf, P = 0.017; root, P = 0.036) and 400 mg/kg (leaf, P = 0.001; root, P = 0.001). Similarly, 200 mg/kg (leaf, P = 0.002; root, P = 0.018) and 400 mg/kg (leaf, P = 0.001; root, P = 0.001) of the extracts significantly reduced ulcer index after single dose treatment. Repeated daily treatment with leaf and root extracts for ten days caused a significant (P = 0.037, 0.001 and 0.001 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg leaf extract; P = 0.026, 0.018 and 0.001 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg root extract, respectively) reduction in ulcer score. In addition, both extracts significantly (P = 0.041, 0.004 and 0.000 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg leaf extract; P = 0.038, 0.008 and 0.000 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg root extract, respectively) reduced ulcer index after 10 days of treatment. CONCLUSION: This study has revealed hydromethanol extracts of Solanum incanum leaves and roots have antiulcerogenic activity using in vivo models. The antiulcer activity of the plant is not related to acid anti-secretory action, suggesting the plant may have cytoprotective effect on the gastric mucosa.