Publication:

Pharmacological evaluation of anti-ulcer activity of Cymbopogon flexuosus

Background Peptic ulcer disease is a worldwide problem. Currently, there is no cost-effective treatment to relieve pain, heal the ulcer and prevent ulcer recurrence. Hence, there is a dire need to search and find a suitable treatment from natural sources. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-ulcer activity of ethanol extract of the leaves of Cymbopogon flexuosus.

Methods The ethanol extract of the leaves of Cymbopogon flexuosus was prepared by hot extraction method. Anti-ulcer activity was evaluated in rats and method employed was pylorus ligation. Animals were divided into four groups of six animals each. The animals of Group I served as normal control (vehicle) which received normal saline (5 ml/kg b.wt., p.o). Group II and III received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt. of ethanol extract, respectively. The animals of Group IV served as standard control which received ranitidine (15 mg/kg bd.wt.). At the end of study parameters like ulcer index, free acidity, total acidity, acid volume, and pH were determined.

Results The ethanol extract showed a significant reduction in the total acidity, free acidity, and acid volume. The efficacy of plant extract at high dose was comparable with the standard drug - ranitidine.

Conclusion Our study results support the ethnomedical use of leaves of C. flexuosus.