Antiulcer Activity of Roots of Zapoteca Portoricensis (fam. Fabiaceae)

BACKGROUND The roots of Zapoteca portricensis is a common remedy in the treatment gastrointestinal disorders used by tradomedical practitioners in Eastern Nigeria. AIM This study was aimed at evaluating the possible antiulcer activity of the root of this plant in experimental rats. METHODS A methanolic root extract was prepared by cold maceration. Antiulcer activity was tested using absolute ethanol and indomethacin induced ulcer models. Sucralfate (100 mg/kg oral) was used as the reference drug. Different groups of albino rats of male sex were given three doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) of the extract. Phytochemical analysis of the freshly dried roots was also done. RESULTS Phytochemical results revealed presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides and flavonoids. The ethanol model produced an average ulceration in rats with reduction of ulcer (50%, 75% and 90%) seen in all the extract treatment. A dose dependent inhibition of ulcer was seen in all doses of the extract with doses 100 and 200 mg/kg produced a significant reduction compared with control. In the indomethacin model, an absolute ulceration was produced in all the animals. Inhibition of ulcer (57.1%, 65.7% and 80.0%) was seen in the treatments with the extracts in a dose dependent manner. All the three doses of the extracts produced significant ulcer protection compared with control. CONCLUSION This study has shown that roots of this plant (Zapoteca portoricensis) possess potent antiulcer activity.