Investigation of Stem Bark of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) for Antiulcer Activity

Abstract

The stem bark of M. oleifera was used traditionally for the treatment of ulcer sores. The high antioxidant/radical scavenging effects observed for different parts appear to provide justification for their widespread use in traditional medicine. The effect of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) aqueous extract was evaluated in albino wistar rats against ethanol induced gastric ulcer model. It was found effective at dose of 200 mg/kg. The percentage inhibition of ulcer in ethanol induced ulcer was found to be 64.30%. All treatment groups showed a marked increase in the amount of PH. The decreased ulcer lesions, gastric volume, free acidity and total acidity confirmed a significant increase in ulcer reduction. Moringa oleifera was shown to exert mucoprotective and gastric antisecretory activity and the mechanism involved may be due to the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids.