Effects of Ammi visnaga (Bisnaga) extract on the volume and acidity of stimulated gastric secretion in fasting rabbits.

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of extract of Ammi visnaga on volume and acidity of stimulated gastric secretion in rabbits and also its safety on liver and kidney function. STUDY DESIGN Quasi experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Pharmacology Department, Saidu Medical College, Swat, in the years 2008-9. METHODOLOGY Thirty rabbits weighing 1 - 1.5 kg were divided into groups A, B and C each having 10 animals. After fasting for 48 hours, pylorus of animals of group A and B was ligated. Group A was administered Carbachol and group B was given extracts of Ammi visnaga followed by Carbachol after 15 minutes intraperitoneally. After 4 hours, stomach contents were measured for volume and then centrifuged and estimated for acidity. The extract was also administered to group C animals for 45 days to observe its effects on liver and kidney function. RESULTS In group B, reduction in volume, free and total acidity of gastric juice was highly significant when the mean values were compared with group A. In group C, mean values of liver and kidney function test compared with pre-treated values, were found statistically non-significant. CONCLUSION Ammi visnaga extract can be used effectively and safely in the treatment of hyper acidity conditions and peptic ulcer after evaluation of its effects in human being.