PHARMACOGNOSTICAL PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIULCER ACTIVITY LEAVES OF ARNICA MONTANA

Amit Kumar Monu*, Praveen Kumar and Shamim Ahmad

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the anti-ulcerogenic properties of Arnica montana leaves, aiming to develop a herbal treatment that is both safe and effective for ulcer management. The research involved systematic collection and authentication of Arnica montana leaves, followed by extraction with methanol to obtain the ethanolic extract (EEAM) for analysis. Characterization of the plant compounds was performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, identifying key functional groups and metabolites relevant to biological activity. The anti-ulcer efficacy of EEAM was evaluated in an aspirin-induced ulcer model in rats. Histological analysis of the gastric mucosa, quantification of oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), and serum amylase levels were assessed. EEAM demonstrated a dose-dependent protective effect, with reductions in ulcer index, free acidity, and total acidity comparable to standard treatment with ranitidine. Oxidative stress evaluation revealed that EEAM significantly reduced lipid peroxidation (as indicated by decreased MDA levels) and increased GSH levels, indicating reduced tissue injury and oxidative modifications. The study supports the potential of Arnica montana leaves as a promising herbal intervention for ulcer treatment, with antioxidant and anti-ulcerogenic properties that may contribute to gastric mucosal protection.

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