Studies on the Anti-Ulcer Potentials of the Stem Bark Extract of Bridelia Ferruginea, Benth

Abstract

The anti-ulcer activity of the methanol and petroleum ether stem bark extract ofBridelia ferruginea, Benth (Earphobiaceae) was evaluated. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract showed the presence of I. alkaloids, saponins, reducing sugars, tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, steroids, proteins, terpenoids and glycosides. The petroleum ether extract showed the presence of tannins, fats and oh, flavonoids, steroids and terpenoids. The LDso of the extracts was determined in mice by the technique of Lorke. The result revealed that the extracts at doses up to 5000mgkg showed no signs of toxicity or death; , i I i The anti-ulcer activities of the extracts were screened usins pastric ulcers induced by absolute ethanol md indomethacin. The results obtained showed that both extracts are effective in inhibiting gastric lesions at doses of 200 mgkg and above when compared with the inhibition of pactric: 17lr.ers p~ith rlicti!ld water. The extracts had no effsct on the guinea pig ileum but inhibited the contractile effects produced by acetylcholine and histamine. The extracts nroduced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the rhythmic; contrzction of rabbit jejunum. They also inhibited contractile responses induced by acetylcholine on the rabbit jejunum, The results showed that stcm bark of Bridelia femginea contain active ingredients with a therapeutic activity aqainst gastric lesions.