Antiulcerogenic activities of three plant drugs were studied against
aspirin-induced
gastric ulcers in rats. In addition, their effects on output of gastric acid and
pepsin and
hexosamine concentrations in gastric fluid were recorded in ulcerated and non-ulcerated rats. Solanum nigrum (aerial parts)
powder and its methanolic extract decreased the
ulcer index significantly. The activity may be due to inhibition of
acid and
pepsin secretions and/or their in vitro ability to bind these. Brassica oleracea (leaf)
powder did not affect the
ulcer index significantly but its aqueous extract lowered the index and increased
hexosamine levels, suggesting gastric mucosal protection. Ocimum basilicum (aerial parts)
powder and its aqueous and methanolic extracts decreased the index. Moreover, the
acid output was decreased by its methanolic extract while
hexosamine secretion was enhanced. This suggests that its antiulcerogenic effect is due to decreases of
acid and
pepsin outputs which enhance gastric mucosal strength. The reference
drug gefarnate decreased the
ulcer index by increasing the
hexosamine level only.
Cimetidine inhibited the
acid production but did not decrease the
ulcer index.