Anti-ulcer Effect on the Ethanol Extract of the Bark & Root of Ficus Religoisa Linn. in Different Experimental Ulcer Models in Rats

Ficus religiosa L (Moraceae) is widely distributed in northern part of India has traditionally been used in India as medicinal plant for the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. In the present study ethanolic extract of Ficus religiosa L was used for investigation of antiulcer activity by using pylorus ligation as antisecretory model and ethanol induced ulceration models as cytoprotective model. Animals pretreated with ethanolic extract of Ficus religiosa L at the dose 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed significant decrease in ulcer index and percentage ulcer protection in all models. The results suggested that the extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed significant protection (P<0.001) by reducing ulcerative lesions when compared with control group of animals. These findings indicate that Ficus religiosa L. bark and root extract shows significant antiulcer activity. INTRODUCTION: Peptic ulcer is the term designated to localized destruction of the inner wall or mucosa of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Peptic ulcers generally occur when there is an imbalance between aggressive gastric factors (acid, pepsin, Helicobacter pylori and refluxed bile salts) and defensive mucosal factors 1 (gastric mucosal barrier, bicarbonate secretion, rapid cell turnover, high blood flow). The treatment of peptic ulcer is directed against reduction of aggressive factors or enhancement of mucosal defense of stomach and duodenum with cytoprotective agents. Endogenous non-protein sulfhydryl (SH) compounds are presumed to participate in gastric mucosal adaptive cytoprotection . For several decades the adage ‘NO ACID – NO ULCER’ and the drugs used to reduce acid secretion has dominated the pharmacological basis of ulcer therapy. More recently, the role of mucosal factor in peptic ulceration has received much attention and the term “Cytoprotection” was first introduced by Andre Robert in 1979. In general it can be said that there is a plethora of mechanisms of gastric cytoprotection, their relative importance and interdependence being far from clarity. This itself is a point that gastric cytoprotection may be a multifactorial phenomenon. Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae), known in India as pimpal, Peepal and Pimpalla is widely distributed in northern part of the India. Ficus religiosa is used in traditional medicine for about 50 types of disorders including asthma, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, gastric problems, and inflammatory disorders, infectious and sexual disorders . The juice of its leaves extracted by holding them near the fire can be used as the ear drop. Its power bark has been used to heal the wounds for years. The bark of the tree is useful in inflammations and glandular swelling of the neck. Its root bark is useful for stomatitis, clean ulcers, and promotes granulations. Its roots are also good for gout. The roots are even chewed to prevent gum diseases. Its fruit is laxative which promotes digestion and checks vomiting.