Abstract

ULCER-HEALING EFFECTS OF PERSEA AMERICANA (AVOCADO) SEEDS

Victoria Nonyelum Umeh, Peter Achunike Akah, Jude Nnaemeka Okoyeh*, Chima Ernest Orji

ABSTRACT

Background: Aqueous seed extract of Persea americana (ASEPA) is used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease in folkloric medicine but its efficacy has not been scientifically validated. Aim and Objectives: This study was aimed at evaluating the ulcer-healing effects of ASEPA and fractions using different ulcer models, and the anti-microbial profile of this extract and fractions on some opportunistic and pathogenic microbes. Methods: Dried and pulverized seeds of P. americana was soaked in distilled water (25 oC) for 24 hours, filtered and freeze-dried. The extract was fractionated with n-hexane and residue was used as the water fraction. The LD50, the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of ASEPA, n-hexane and water fractions were analyzed and subsequently tested for 14 days orally in adult albino rats using ethanol, aspirin and stress-induced ulcer models. Cimetidine (150 mg/kg) and distilled water served as standard drug and negative controls, respectively. Outcome measures were ulcer index and percentage of ulcer-healing. Results: The estimated LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg; phytochemical analyses indicate the presence of tannins, saponins and other metabolites. ASEPA and fractions significantly (p<0.05) conferred dose-dependent ulcer-healing indices in all the ulcer models; the reductions were comparable or more effective than with cimetidine. Also, the extract and fractions showed dose-dependent inhibitory antimicrobial activities. The highest anti-microbial effects were obtained using the water extract. Conclusion: The findings of this study seem to support the folkloric use of Persea americana seeds in the management of peptic ulcer disease.

Keywords: Persea americana, anti-ulcer, gastro-protection, antiibactrial.