Antiulcer effect of Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. root extract on ethanol-induced acute gastric lesion in Wistar rats

Abstract

Context: Helminthostachys zeylanica is well known as a traditional medicine with various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These activities are needed in the treatment of gastric ulcers. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of H. zeylanica as an antiulcer agent on acute peptic ulcer. Methods: The antiulcer effect of the H. zeylanica ethanolic extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW) was studied through ulcer index, physicochemical properties of gastric juice and histopathological analysis in male Wistar rats. Results: The extract reduces ulcer index, gastric fluid volume, total acidity and increases gastric protection factors such as pH and mucus levels. These results were not significantly different from omeprazole (p>0.05). Photomicrograph analysis showed improvement of membrane structure in extract-treated animals. Conclusions: H. zeylanica extract could be valued as an antiulcer agent.

Keywords

• helminthostachys zeylanica
• gastric ulcer
• ulcer index