Gastroprotective effect of Alhagi camelorum on experimental gastric ulcer in rats

Introduction: Alhagi camelorum belongs to the Leguminosae family is used in Iranian folk medicine to treat some gastric diseases. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the Alhagi camelorum aqueous extract for anti-ulcer activity in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were pretreated with the A. camelorum aqueous extract (150, 300 or 450 mg/kg of B.W., P.O.) before induction of gastric ulcer by water immersion restraint-stress at 20-22 °C (5 h) or before induction of the ulcer by ethanol 100% (1 ml/200g of B.W., P.O.). Negative control animals received saline (0.5 ml/100 g of B.W.). Positive control animals received ranitidine (60 mg/kg, P.O.). Results: The A. camelorum aqueous extract (ACE) protected rats against water immersion restraint-stress and ethanol-induced ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. In water immersion restraint induced ulcerated rat, the ACE increased pH and reduced gastric acid content. ACE did not show any signs of toxicity and mortality up to10 g/kg, P.O. in mice. Conclusion: The results suggest that A. camelorum aqueous extract can exert significant mucosal protection and antisecretory effects on gastric mucosa in rats.