ASSESSMENT OF THE ANTI-ULCERATIVE POTENTIAL OF ROOT EXTRACT FROM HARI CHAMPA (ARTABOTRYS HEXAPETALUS)

Peptic ulcers rank among the most prevalent afflictions in humans, impacting over 10% of the global population. Although synthetic medications exist for treating peptic ulcers, they often come with adverse effects and potential drug interactions. Medicinal plants, renowned for their minimal side effects, serve as promising sources of medications. Artabotrys hexapetalus, an underrecognized plant with diverse medicinal properties, is the focus of this study aimed at evaluating its anti-ulcer properties. The plant material was collected, extracted, and subjected to both in vitro and in vivo tests following standard procedures. Results disclosed a percentage yield of 2.5% in the pet ether extract and 7.6% in the ethanolic extract. Phytochemical screening of the hydroalcoholic extract of Artabotrys hexapetulus roots identified various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, proteins, carbohydrates, and saponins. The total flavonoid and alkaloid content were measured at 0.965 and 0.574 mg per 100 mg of dried extract, respectively. In the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract-treated groups, the ulcer index was found to be 3.30±0.0 and 3.05±0.15, respectively, compared to the control group's ulcer index of 6.5±0.15. Both extract doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) resulted in an increase in gastric pH (3.85±0.15 and 4.15±0.15, respectively) compared to the control group (2.65±0.10). Total acidity in the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract-treated groups was 55.75±0.15 and 43.15±0.20 mEq/lt, respectively, while free acidity was 41.15±0.10 and 36.50±0.20 mEq/lt, respectively. Pepsin activity was 3.10±0.25 and 2.65±0.15 Per ml/h for the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract-treated groups, respectively.

Keywords: Peptic ulcer, Medicinal plants, Artabotrys hexapetalus, Herbal medicines, Phytochemicals, Ulcer index, free acidity, Total acidity, Pepsin activity