PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ZIZIPHUS MAURITIANA FOR PEPTIC ULCER

This study evaluates the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus mauritiana leaves for its potential anti-ulcerogenic effects. The hydroalcoholic extract exhibited a high yield of 9.2% w/w compared to the petroleum ether extract (1.6% w/w). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, and diterpenes. Quantitative analysis showed the total flavonoid content to be 0.752 mg/100 mg and the total alkaloid content to be 0.347 mg/100 mg of dried extract. In ethanol-induced ulcer models in rats, the hydroalcoholic extract significantly reduced the ulcer index and gastric acidity while increasing gastric pH and reducing pepsin activity. The extract demonstrated dose-dependent anti-ulcerogenic activity, with the 200 mg/kg dose showing the most pronounced effects. These findings suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus mauritiana possesses significant anti-ulcerogenic properties and may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for managing peptic ulcers. Further studies are recommended to explore its mechanisms of action and validate its efficacy and safety in clinical settings.

Key Words: Ziziphus mauritiana, anti-ulcerogenic, hydroalcoholic extract, phytochemical screening, peptic ulcer, ethanol-induced ulcer, gastric acidity, pepsin activity, natural therapeutic agent