Evaluation of antiulcer potential of Mimusops hexandra in experimental gastro duodenal ulcers.

The study was aimed to investigate antiulcer effects of acetone extract and its different fractions Mimusops hexandra against experimental gastro-duodenal ulcers. 80% acetone extract of stem bark of Mimusops hexandra (Extract A, p.o.) and its different fractions namely diethyl ether (Extract A1, p.o.), ethyl acetate (Extract A2, p.o.) and aqueous (Extract A3, p.o.) were tested for the presence of preliminary phytoconstituents and were screened for their antiulcer potential in experimental animals using ethanol-HCl and aspirin-induced gastric damage at the dose of 500 mg kg-1p.o. Extract A2 being the most active fraction amongst all the fractions tested was also studied at different doses to find its ED50. Further, to establish the mechanism of action, Extract A2 was also tested for its effects in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer models and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. The effect was compared with cimetidine. Flavonoids (quercetin), procyanidins, saponins and triterpenoids were found to be present in bark. Oral administration of Extract A2 inhibited formation of gastric lesions induced by aspirin in a dose dependent manner. Elevated level of lipid peroxidation due to ethanol-HCl and aspirin induced gastric damage was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by the treatment with Extract A2. Further, Extract A2 at the dose of 100 mg kg-1 (p.o.) reduced extent of acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in experimental animals. Moreover, protection afforded by Extract A2 against cysteamine-induced duodenal lesions was evident from dose dependent decrease in ulcer index (p<0.05), score for intensity (p<0.05) and total lesion area (p<0.05), when compared with the control group. The antiulcer activity shown by Extract A2 in experimental gastro-duodenal ulcer could be attributed to decrease in gastric acid secretory activity along with strengthening of mucosal defensive mechanisms.