A Comprehensive Review on Ulcer Healing Potential of Medicinal Plants

Peptic ulcers are a broad term that includes ulcers of gastrointestinal tract. The formation of peptic ulcers is due to the presence of acid, peptic activity in gastric juice and a breakdown in mucosal defenses. There are two main factors that can disrupt the mucosal resistance to injuryare, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and H. pylori infection. A number of anti-ulcer drugs such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists are used for the treatment of peptic ulcer, but these drugs has shown incidence of relapses, side effects, and drug interactions. Plant origin drugs are gaining popularity to treat number of disorders, including peptic ulcer. There is a need for less toxic and potentanti-ulcerogenic drugs. Since long time plant extracts are used to produce promising anti-ulcerogenic effects. The present work was carried out to investigate the possible preventive anti-ulcerogenic effect. In the present study we have reviewed most commonly employed herbal medicines and various animal models which were used in the screening of anti ulcer activity.