Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. on Indomethacin, Pylorus ligation and Helicobacter pylori induced gastric ulcer in rats

Helicobacter pylori infection, excessive consumption of alcohol and the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the major factors that cause peptic ulcer. Previous studies from our lab revealed the potency of the ethanol extract of the plant, Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. against ethanol induced gastric ulcerogenesis in rats. The present study intended to compare the antiulcer activity of the ethanol extract of C. halicacabum against gastric ulcers, induced by three different agents, namely; indomethacin administration, pyloric ligation and Helicobacter pylori infection in Wistar rats. Experimentally, gastric ulcer was induced in rats by oral administration of indomethacin, pyloric ligation and infection with H. pylori (2.0 × 108 CFU/ml) in three separate settings. Gastric protection by C. halicacabum was evaluated by measuring the ulcer index, gastric glutathione level, a lkaline phosphatase activity and histopathological examination. Ethanol extract of C. halicacabum in a concentration dependent manner (200-600 mg/kg) inhibited gastric ulcers induced by oral administration of indomethacin (48 mg/kg). The active extract administration reduced the ulcer index and alkaline phosphatase activity showing the protective role of C. halicacabum against indomethacin induced gastric ulceration in rats. Similarly, C. halicacabum ethanol extract reduced gastric acid secretion in pylorus ligated rats. However, the extract did not show much healing of gastric ulcer, induced by H. pylori. Omeprazole and triple therapy drugs were used as standards for indomethacin and H. pylori induced gastric ulcers, respectively. When comparing the effectiveness of C.halicacbum against the three modes of ulcer induction, the alcohol extract of C. halicacabum showed better antiulcer activity against ulcers induced by indomethacin and pylorus ligation dose dependently. However, the same extract failed to show any anti H. pylori activity when monitored both in vitro and in vivo.