Antiulcer Activity of Combretum indicum (Woody Stem) and Thevetia peruviana (Flowers):
Abstract
Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a global gastrointestinal disorder affecting about 5–10% of the population. It occurs due to an imbalance between aggressive factors such as hydrochloric acid, pepsin, Helicobacter pylori, NSAIDs, and reactive oxygen species, and protective factors such as the mucus-bicarbonate barrier and prostaglandins. Limitations of synthetic antiulcer drugs, including rebound acid hypersecretion, drug resistance, vitamin deficiencies, and infection risk, have increased the need for safer plant-based gastroprotective agents. This study comparatively evaluated the gastroprotective, antiulcer, and antioxidant effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Combretum indicum woody stem and Thevetia peruviana flowers in Wistar albino rats.
Methodology: Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared through maceration and Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical screening, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and in vitro antioxidant assays were performed. Acute oral toxicity was assessed according to OECD Guideline 423. Antiulcer activity was evaluated in pylorus ligation, ethanol-induced, and cold restraint stress-induced ulcer models. Gastric parameters, ulcer index, percentage protection, mucus content, glycoproteins, antioxidant markers, and histopathology were analysed.
Results: The ethanolic extract of Combretum indicum showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid content and strongest antioxidant activity. All extracts were practically non-toxic, with LD₅₀ greater than 2000 mg/kg. Combretum indicum ethanolic extract at 400 mg/kg produced the highest ulcer protection in all models and showed results comparable to sucralfate. It restored gastric mucus, improved glycoproteins, reduced MDA, and enhanced SOD, CAT, and GSH activities. Histopathology showed near-normal gastric mucosal structure.
Conclusion: Both plant extracts showed multi-mechanistic gastroprotection through acid regulation, mucus protection, cytoprotection, antioxidant defence, and anti-inflammatory effects. Combretum indicum ethanolic extract at 400 mg/kg appears to be a promising herbal antiulcer agent.
How to Cite
Akansha Bhadouria, Sushila Kaura, "Antiulcer Activity of Combretum indicum (Woody Stem) and Thevetia peruviana (Flowers):", Vol. 3, Issue 8, 22-11-2025, pp. 66-94.
