Abstract

EVALUATION OF IN VIVO ANTI- ULCER ACTIVITY OF FLOWER EXTRACT OF WITHANIA COAGULANS

Shaivya Upadhyay*, Teena Parmar, Chandani Gupta, Satkar Prasad

RKD.F College of Pharmacy, Bhopal (M.P.)

ABSTRACT

Gastric ulcers are a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that poses significant health challenges. Withania coagulans, commonly known as "Indian Rennet," is a medicinal plant with a history of traditional use in various health conditions, including digestive disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vivo anti-ulcer activity of the flower extract of Withania coagulans using a suitable animal model. The flower extract was prepared using a hydroalcoholic extraction method and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to identify the presence of various bioactive compounds. The anti-ulcer activity was assessed in rats using indomethacin-induced ulcerogenesis as the experimental model. The rats were divided into different treatment groups, including a control group treated with ulcerogenic agents, a positive control group treated with ranitidine (a standard anti-ulcer drug), and groups treated with different doses of the Withania coagulans flower extract (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, p.o.). The anti-ulcer activity was evaluated based on parameters such as the number of ulcers, ulcer index, and gastric pH. The results were analyzed statistically to determine the significance of the findings. The flower extract of Withania coagulans demonstrated significant anti-ulcerogenic effects in the animal model. The extract exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in the number of ulcers and the ulcer index compared to the control group. Furthermore, the extract administration led to an increase in the pH of gastric contents, suggesting its potential to reduce gastric acidity and protect the gastric mucosa from ulcerogenic agents. The flower extract of Withania coagulans possesses significant in vivo anti-ulcer activity. These findings support its potential therapeutic value in the management of gastric ulcers. The observed gastroprotective effects highlight the importance of Withania coagulans as a potential natural alternative or adjunctive therapy for the treatment of gastric ulcers. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the exact mechanisms of action and to conduct long-term safety studies and human clinical trials to determine its safety profile and efficacy in humans. The present study provides valuable insights into the medicinal potential of Withania coagulans and paves the way for further exploration and development of its therapeutic applications in the field of gastroenterology.

Keywords: Withania coagulans, ulcerogenic agents, phytochemical screening.