PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF ANTI -ULCER POTENTIAL OF EXTRACT OF BARRINGTONIA ACUTANGULA

Abstract

One of the most common gastrointestinal conditions, gastric ulcers affect 5–10% of people at some point in their lives.  Much research has been done on herbal medicine in recent years to determine whether or not it can be used to prevent or treat stomach ulcers. Here this study deals with assessing the anti -ulcer activity of Barringtonia acutangula. The plant material was gathered and subjected to extraction by methanol. Further qualitative, quantitative studies along with In vivo anti -ulcer activity was conducted. Results showed that the % yield in pet ether and methanolic extract was found to be 3.4 % & 8.2 % respectively. The phytochemical test confirmed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, protein and saponin. The total flavonoid and alkaloid content in extract was observed to be 0.721 and 0.645 mg/ 100 mg respectively. Further the effect of methanolic extract of Barringtonia acutangula on ulcer index was checked In case of Barringtonia acutangula 100 & 200 mg/kg treated rats the ulcer index was estimate to be   3.25±0.10 and 3.45±0.20 respectively.  The gastric pH was noted to be 3.95±0.15 and 4.20±0.10 for 100 & 200 mg/kg respectively. For the rats treated with drug the pH was observed to be 4.38±0.20 as compared to control group which is 2.65±0.10. The acidity of stomach was seen to be reduced up to 54.63±0.15 mEq/lt and 42.41±0.15 mEq/lt in Barringtonia acutangula extracts 100 and 200 mg/kg treated rats respectively. The pepsin activity in Ranitidine treated rats was estimated to be 2.45±0.20 ml/h. In rats treated with Barringtonia acutangula 100 and 200 mg/kg treated rats the pepsin activity was estimated to be 3.25±0.20 ml/h and 2.58±0.18 ml/h respectively. Thus, from results it can be assumed that Barringtonia acutangula has potent anti-ulcer pharmacologic action.

Keywords: Peptic ulcer, Medicinal plants, Phytochemicals, Barringtonia acutangula, Ulcer index, Pepsin activity, Rantidine