Antiulcer activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ocimum sanctum leaves in albino rats

Abstract

Background: Peptic ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders and a major cause of morbidity. The incidence and prevalence of peptic ulcer has been increasing worldwide. Persisting peptic ulcer leads to complications like gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric perforation and pyloric obstruction. The complications further increase the morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antiulcer activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ocimum sanctum leaves in albino rats. Methods: 48 apparently healthy wistar albino rats of either sex weighing about 150-200 grams were divided randomly into 12 groups (n=4). All the drugs were given as pre-treatment, per oral daily for 3 days. Test drugs, aqueous leaf extract (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg) and ethanolic leaf extract (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) in 1% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were administered. Pyloric ligation and cold restrain stress were used as experimental models in the study. Parameters like free acid, gastric volume and ulcer index were observed. Results: All the test drugs significantly reduced the free acid, gastric volume and ulcer index in pyloric ligation model. 100 mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract failed to decrease the ulcer index in cold restrain stress, but other doses of test drugs reduced the ulcer index. Conclusions: Both the doses of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ocimum sanctum leaves exhibited significant antiulcer activity in pyloric ligation model, whereas only 200 mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract was effective in cold restrain stress model.