A Review on Anti-ulcer Medicinal Plants

Ulcer is a common gastro intestinal disorder which is seen among many people. It may be due to the regular usage of drugs, irregular food habits, stress etc. A number of synthetic drugs are available to treat ulcers such as proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists and other Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But these drugs are expensive and are likely to produce more side effects when compared to herbal medicines. Considering the morbidity caused by ulcer disease and dyspepsia over the world, cheap and easily available treatments will always be in demand especially for the people of nonindustrialized countries. Medicinal plants containing active chemical constituents play an important role in the prevention of various diseases and have potential benefits to the society. Literatures revealed that many medicinal plants and poly-herbal formulations are used for the treatment of ulcer by various ayurvedic doctors and traditional medicinal practioners. This article is the review of most commonly used antiulcer plants, their important phytoconstituents and the other reported activities of these plants.