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ANTIULCER ACTIVITY OF ROOTS OF ZAPOTECA PORTORICENSIS (FAM. FABIACEAE)
Ukwe C. V.1, Ubaka C. M.1, Adibe M.
O.*1, Okonkwo C. J.1, Akah P. A.2
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management,
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria
2Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410001, Nigeria.
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Date of Web Publication
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15-Aug-2010
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*Corresponding Author: E-mail: maxolpharmacia@yahoo.com
 ABSTRACT
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Background:The roots of Zapoteca portricensis is a common remedy in the treatment
gastrointestinal disorders used by tradomedical practitioners in Eastern Nigeria.
Aim:This study was aimed at evaluating the possible antiulcer activity of
the root of this plant in experimental rats.
Methods:A methanolic root extract was prepared by cold maceration. Antiulcer
activity was tested using absolute ethanol and indomethacin induced ulcer models.
Sucralfate (100 mg/kg oral) was used as the reference drug. Different groups of
albino rats of male sex were given three doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) of the extract.
Phytochemical analysis of the freshly dried roots was also done.
Results:Phytochemical results revealed presence of alkaloids, terpenoids,
glycosides and flavonoids. The ethanol model produced an average ulceration in rats
with reduction of ulcer (50%, 75% and 90%) seen in all the extract treatment. A
dose dependent inhibition of ulcer was seen in all doses of the extract with doses
100 and 200 mg/kg produced a significant reduction compared with control. In the
indomethacin model, an absolute ulceration was produced in all the animals. Inhibition
of ulcer (57.1%, 65.7% and 80.0%) was seen in the treatments with the extracts in
a dose dependent manner. All the three doses of the extracts produced significant
ulcer protection compared with control.
Conclusion:This study has shown that roots of this plant (Zapoteca portoricensis)
possess potent antiulcer activity.
KEYWORDS:Anti-ulcer, ethanol, indomethacin, ulcer inhibition, Zapoteca portoricensis.
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