Antiulcer Effect of Commiphora molmol Engl. (Burceraceae) Oleo-gum-resin and its Interaction with Ranitidine, as Demonstrated by Histological Studies

* To whom all correspondence should be addressed. Tel.: +966-0531339880; E-Mail: [email protected] Commiphora molmol Engl. (Burseraceae), known commonly as ‘‘myrrh’’ or Murr (in Arabic) is one of the most common herbs. It is reported to possess several pharmacological activities that includes antihypertensive1, hypolipidemic2, antiinfective3, antiulcer4 and anticancer effects5. Myrrh is reported to possess healing benefits during injuries6. It has been reported for gastric ulcer preventive effect earlier wherein it is reported to prevent development of gastric ulcers induced by necrotizing agents and pylorus ligation in rats1. However, so far there is no report on the effect of myrrh on ulcer healing, an effect that correlates clinically with effect on ulcer patients consuming myrrh. Furthermore, the effect of coadministration of this herb with modern drugs is not known though it is a known fact that this herb is frequently used along with modern drugs. On the contrary, myrrh is reported to increase the number of leucocytes in normal animals as well animals inflicted with skin wound or mild gastric ulcers induced by sodium chloride, indicating activation of cell mediated immunity, though the effect on healing of ulcer was not evaluated7. The effect on the number of leucocytes contributing to ulcer healing is not clear and it was proposed that the increase in number of leucocytes may have increase/decrease or no effect of healing of gastric ulcers. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of myrrh on chronic gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid and its effect on healing of gastric ulcers when co-administered with ranitidine, a known antiulcer agent. Antiulcer Effect of Commiphora molmol Engl. (Burceraceae) Oleo-gum-resin and its Interaction with Ranitidine, as Demonstrated by Histological Studies