EVALUATION OF ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LAGENARIA SICERARIA

Introduction: Ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disorder and can be characterized by inflamed lesions of the mucosa and tissue that protect the gastrointestinal tract. These ulcers can develop when the imbalance occurs between the gastroprotective (mucus, bicarbonate, and prostaglandins) and aggressive (acid, pepsin, bile salts, and Helicobacter pylori bacteria). According to research and as other species from genus Lagenaria shows analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic, diuretic, and antihelmintic activities on the fruit of Lagenaria siceraria. Methods: The anti-ulcer activity of methanolic extract of Lagenaria siceraria fruits was investigated in pylorus ligation, ethanol-induced, Asprin induced and Cold-restraint stress-induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. In all models, the common parameter determined was the ulcer index. Results: The extract (100 mg/kg & 200 mg/kg) showed a significant (P<0.005) reduction in gastric volume, free acidity, and ulcer index as compared to control. This present study indicates that Lagenaria siceraria fruit extract has potential anti-ulcer activity in these models. Discussion: MELS caused a significant decrease in the gastric volume, free acidity, and total acidity compared to the control group, indicating an antisecretory mechanism. Several scientific studies revealed that phytoconstituents like flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and saponin were responsible for gastroprotective agents. Further studies are needed to find out their exact mechanism of action on gastric acid secretion and gastric cytoprotection.