Anti-Ulcerogenic Activity of Leaf Extract of Capparis Cartilaginea Decne on Ethanol and Indomethacin- Induced Peptic Ulcers in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease is a non-malignant, mucosal lesion of the stomach or duodenum, in which pepsin and hydrochloric acid plays a major pathogenic role. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-ulcerogenic effect of Capparis cartilaginea decne on peptic ulcers induced by ethanol and indomethacin in Wistar rats of female species. A laboratory-based true experimental study design was employed. Fresh leaves of Capparis Cartillaginea decne were subjected to methanol extraction, and the extract was dissolved in 5% DMSO. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the Capparis cartillaginea decne extract was also conducted. Forty five animals were divided into nine groups. Treatment groups were given omeprazole 20mg/kg +ethanol 70% 0.5ml/100mg; omeprazole 20mg/kg+ indomethacin 30mg/k; ethanol+ 200mg/kg extract; indomethacin+ 200mg/kg extract; ethanol+ 400mg/kg extract; and indomethacin+ 400mg/kg extract. The control groups were given indomethacin only 30mg/kg; ethanol 70% 0.5ml/100mg and normal saline 2ml. These were administered through oral gavage for 14 days. Results were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Groups’ comparison was done using one-way ANOVA. Results are expressed as Mean ± SEM and presented using tables and bar graphs. Flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins were detected in the methanol extract upon phytochemical screening. Animals ulcerated with ethanol 70% 0.5ml/100mg and treated with 400mg/kg of extract caused a significant ulcer inhibition (p=0.003), with corresponding significant reduction in mean gastric juice output (p=0.001) and mean total acidity (p=0.001). There was also significant ulcer inhibition (p=0.001), with significant reduction in mean gastric juice output (p=0.003), mean total acidity (p=0.003) and significant increase in mean pH value (p=0.001) in animals ulcerated with indomethacin 30mg/kg and treated with extracts at 400mg/kg. We conclude that methanol leave extract of Capparis cartillaginea decne had ulcer inhibition against gastric ulcers induced by ethanol and indomethacin. The extract also caused reduction in mean total acidity, mean gastric juice output and increased the mean pH value. We recommend further studies involving molecular characterization of the phytochemicals of Capparis cartillaginea decne that exert these actions.