Abstract

ANTIULCEROGENIC ACTIVITY OF BARK EXTRACTS OF CAPPARIS BREVISPINA USING DIFFERENT SOLVENTS IN THE PYLORUS LIGATION MODEL IN ALBINO RATS, WITH LANSOPRAZOLE AS STANDARD

Vinjavarapu L. Anusha*, Shaik Jasmine, Dr. B. Thangabalan, N. Gopi Krishna, K. Ruhi Anjum, S. K. Thanjila, V. Durga, K. Poojitha, P. Harshitha, B. Hemalatha

ABSTRACT

Peptic ulcers are a major health concern, and medicinal plants can offer potential antiulcer agents. Although Capparis brevispina is used in traditional medicine, it lacks thorough pharmacological evaluation for ulcer protection. This study aims to assess the antiulcer activity of different solvent extracts (aqueous, ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether) of C. brevispina bark in a gastric ulcer model induced by pylorus ligation in albino rats, using lansoprazole as a standard. The bark of C. brevispina was collected, authenticated, shade dried, and ground into powder. Sequential extraction was performed using solvents of increasing polarity, including petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous. Albino rats (weighing 150 to 200 g) were divided into groups: control (vehicle), standard (lansoprazole, 5 mg/kg), and extract groups (various doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for each extract). The test agent was administered orally once a day for three days, with the standard dose given on day three. On day three, pylorus ligation was carried out under mild anaesthesia, and after 4 or 6 hours (or 17 to 18 hours depending on the protocol), the animals were sacrificed. Gastric juice volume, pH, total acidity, free acidity, ulcer index, and percentage inhibition were measured. Histopathology of the stomach mucosa was also assessed. Among the extracts, those from ethanol and methanol at 400 mg/kg showed significant reductions in the ulcer index (approximately 70 to 80%), comparable but slightly lower than lansoprazole. They also significantly decreased gastric secretion volume, free and total acidity, leading to a higher pH. Histological analysis showed mucosal protection, reduced submucosal edema, and fewer haemorrhagic lesions. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids in the ethanol and methanol extracts. Extracts of Capparis brevispina bark, particularly those from ethanol and methanol, show significant antiulcer activity likely due to both antisecretory and cytoprotective actions. Further study of these extracts is warranted for drug development.

Keywords: Capparis brevispina, Gastric ulcer, Lansoprazole, Solvent extract.