AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF GASTRO PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF TRICHOSANTHES CUCUMERINA AGAINST CHRONIC ULCERS IN RATS

Anurag Kumar* and Dr. Ch. V. Rao

ABSTRACT

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate anti-ulcer activity of a vegetative fruits (Trichosanthes cucumerina) in three distinct animal models Model 1: Pylorus ligation + aspirin induced gastric ulcer model, Model 2: Acetic acid induced gastric ulcer, Model 3: Ethanol-hydrochloric acid induced gastric ulcer. Materials and Methods: Selected herbo medicinal fruits Trichosanthes cucumerina belonging to family: Cucurbitaceae. 50% ethanolic Trichosanthes cucumerina fruits extract (TCE) was used. For each experiment, animals were divided in to five groups where each group was consisting of six animals. Group were considered as Normal control, Disease control and test drug treated respectively. 50% ethanolic fruit extract was administered at a dose of 100,200,400 mg/kg/day, orally. Ulcer index, gastric wall mucus content, lipid peroxidation level in stomach tissue and tissue anti-oxidant parameters like superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activity were carried out for both experimental studies. Statistical calculations were done by analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare and analyse the data. Results: A dose-response antiulcer study has been done using 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of TCE against various validated gastric ulcer models like Aspirin + Pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer, HCl–ethanol induced ulcer and acetic acid induced gastric ulcer, gastric wall mucus content and lipid per oxidation level in comparison to normal control group whereas treatment of 50% ethanolic fruit extract (TCE), showed significant cytoprotection. The result also showed significant increase in level of antioxidant enzymes in comparison of disease control groups. Conclusion: On the basis of present data it can be concluded that 50% ethanolic fruit extract (TCE) possesses significant anti-ulcer activity against exposure to a noxious agent like NSAID, ethanol and acetic acid. The observed effect be due to synergistic anti -oxidant property of ingredients of the (TCE).

Keywords: 50% Ethanolic fruit extract (TCE), Ulcer model, anti-ulcer activity, Ranitidine.