ABSTRACT:
The ethanolic extract of Azima tetracantha leaves were investigated for its ulcer protective activity on aspirin and pylorus ligation and cold restraint stress induced ulcer models. Various biochemical parameters such as gastric volume, pH of gastric content, free acidity and total acidity, dissolved muco substances such as total protein, hexoses, hexosamine, fucose and sialic acid were estimated in 90 % alcoholic precipitate of gastric juice and histopathological sections were examined on the test and control group animals. The extract at a concentration of 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited a protective effect on ulcer-induced models in a dose dependent manner and was comparable with the standard drugs ranitidine and omeprazole. Some of the antioxidant enzyme levels (lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and catalase) were also determined. The present study revealed that the extract of A. tetracantha had ulcer protective activity comparable with standard drugs ranitidine and omeprazole, which may be mediated by its antioxidant effects.