Ethnopharmacological relevanceRoots from Vernonia kotschyana are on the national list of essential drugs in Mali (West-Africa). It is sold under the name Gastrosedal and it used against ailments like gastritis and gastric ulcer. To evaluate the anti-ulcer, immunomodulating activities and toxicity of 50 and 100°C water extracts, Vk50-I and Vk100-I respectively, from the roots of Vernonia kotschyana. Materials and methodsCharacterization of extracts was carried out by GC, colorimetric and biological methods. Vk50-I and Vk100-I were administrated 50min before induction of gastric ulcers in mice with 0.3M HCl–60% EtOH. Inhibition of ulcer formation was calculated based on lesion index. Immunological activities were measured by complement fixation and macrophage activation. Toxicity assay was carried out on brine shrimps. ResultsVk50-I (98% inulin) and Vk100-I (83% inulin) from Vernonia kotschyana significantly inhibited the formation of gastric lesions in mice (100mg/kg). No immunomodulating activities or toxicity were found. ConclusionsOur results show that inulin is probably partly responsible for the anti-ulcer activity of Gastrosedal. In addition, it is possible that water soluble polysaccharides (mainly inulin) have an indirect impact on the general health of the GI.