Gastroprotective effect of Acacia nilotica young seedless pod extract: role of polyphenolic constituents.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate antiulcer potential of Acacia nilotica in different ulcer models in rats.

METHODS

Different extracts [ethanolic, 50% hydroethanolic (50:50), 70% hydroethanolic (70:30) and aqueous] of young seedless pods were examined in pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcers in rats. Various parameters like, volume of gastric acid secretion, pH, free acidity, total acidity, ulcer index, mucin content and antioxidant studies were determined and were compared between extract treated, standard and vehicle control following ulcer induction. The most active extract was also evaluated in swimming stress induced and NSAID induced gastric ulceration.

RESULTS

Among different extracts of young seedless pods only hydroethanolic extracts showed significant antiulcer activity in pyloric ligation induced ulceration. Even more the 70% hydroethanolic extract showed better protection as compared to 50% hydroethanolic extract. Further 70 % hydroethanolic extract also showed significant mucoprotection in swimming stress induced and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs induced gastric ulceration.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of present study concluded that the hydroethanolic extract of young seedless pods of Acacia nilotica has antiulcer activity in pylorus ligation, swimming stress and NSAID induced rat ulcer models. The extract containing more amount of phenolic components show high antiulcer activity, indicating the phenolic component of the extract to be responsible for the activity of the extracts.