Antiulcerogenic Activity of methanol extract and solvent fractions of Stem Bark of Lannea acida (A. Rich) Against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Albino Rats

Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders causing tremendous human suffering worldwide. The present study was designed to evaluate the antiulcerogenic activity of the methanol and solvent stem bark fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol) and elucidate their possible antiulcerogenic mechanisms. The antiulcerogenic mechanisms were investigated by estimation of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT), Vitamins A, C and E,  Malondialdehyde (MDA) and involvement of KATP channel. Pretreatment with the methanol extract and solvent fractions produce significant reductions in ulcer index in a dose dependent manner. Ethylacetate fraction (EtyAc) showed the highest antiulcer activity. Elevated MDA and decreased levels of SOD, GSH, CAT, Vitamin A, C and E observed in ulcer control groups were significantly decreased and increased respectively in the EtyAc fraction treated groups. Antiulcer activity of the EtyAc fraction was blocked upon coadministration with glibenclamide; a KATP channel blocker. The stem bark extract of Lannea acida possess antiulcerogenic activity and the mechanisms seems to involve antioxidant activity and KATP channel opening.