Luteolin isolate from the methanol extract identified as the single- carbon compound responsible for broad antiulcer activities of Cassia singueana Leaves

The results of earlier studies by my team of researchers demonstrated the wide spectrum of in vivo gastro-protective effects of the methanol extract of Cassia singueana leaves (MECSL) in rats. The crude extract exhibited profound potency against experimentally-induced ulcerative lesions in various gastric ulcer induction models (pyloric ligation/histamine, indomethacin and ethanol-mediated stomach ulcers) in rats. The activities of the extract thus, authenticated the claim of high folkloric efficacy of the plant leaves in diverse chronic peptic ulcer therapies in Northern Nigeria. Bioassay-guided fraction using column chromatography, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and indomethacin treatment afforded the isolation of the bioactive compound. A further TLC purification of this pure compound facilitated the isolation of the single-carbon antiulcer agent from MECSL. Structural and molecular elucidation of this active principle with Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry enabled its identification as luteolin. Luteolin is a known compound which is safe and possesses multiplicity of effects against gastric ulceration. The results of this study provide indications for conducting clinical trials with luteolin as a potential sole antiulcer agent.