Abstract

SCREENING FOR ANTI-ULCEROGENIC POTENTIAL OF ETHANOL LEAVES EXTRACT OF ERIGERON FLORIBUNDUS KUNTH(ASTERACEAE) IN WISTAR RATS

Paul A. Nwafor*, Aniefiok S. Udobre and Ini E. Essien

ABSTRACT

The antiucerogenic potential of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Kunth (Asteraceae), was investigated in experimentally-induced acute gastric ulcer models in rats. Four models were used to induce the ulcer namely: Ethanol, Aspirin, Indomethacin and Reserpine models. The extract was administered as low dose (33.54), middle dose (67.08) and high dose (100.62mg/kg). The extract dose-dependently reduced ethanol and aspirin-induced ulcers indices in rats. Similarly, it also reduced indomethacin reserpine-induced ulcer indices (include the indices of ulcer here) in rats. These reductions were dose-related and were statistically significant (P< 0.05-0.001) relative to control. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of saponins and alkaloids. Others were cardiac glycosides, tannins and terpenes. The median lethal dose (LD50) was found to be 3354.10mg/kg body weight. These effects may in part be due to its secondary metabolites. The ethanol extract of Erigeron floribunda significantly healed ulcer sores.

Keywords: Anti-ulcerogenic, Ethanol, Erigeron floribundus.