Evaluation of the antiulcer activity of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. roots in rats

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the antiulcer activity of the methanolic root extract of the plant Olax subscorpioidea in experimental rats. Methods Phytochemical tests and acute toxicity tests were carried out on its methanolic root extract. Pre-treatments with three doses of the extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight orally) and Sucralfate at 100 mg/kg orally were used for the various groups of rats. The indomethacin and ethanol models for experimental induction of ulcers in rats were used. Mean ulcer indices were measured and percentage inhibition was derived. Results Phytochemistry revealed presence of alkaloids, steroids, glycosides and terpenoids and the extract showed an LD 50 of 2 154 mg/kg in mice. Ulcer was produced in all the rats in both models with the extract showing potent antiulcer activity of ethanol model. There was no significant ulcer inhibition by any of the treatments compared to control group in the indomethacin model but the extract's antiulcer effect was dose-dependent (11.8%, 19.2%, 32.7%, P >0.05). The ulcer reduction in the ethanol model was significant ulcer reduction in the highest dose group and Sucralfate group compared to control group (79.3% and 82.9%, P < 0.05). However, the extract at all dosage showed a dose-dependent ulcer inhibition in this model. Conclusion The above results suggest that the roots of Olax subscorpioidea possess antiulcer activity in experimental rats as claimed by traditional users.