Evaluation of preventive effect of Withania somnifera root extract against ethanol induced ulcers in rats.

Author(s): Raghuveer B.*, Chakarvarthy K., Umamaheswara Raju S.

Abstract

Peptic ulcer is a serious gastrointestinal disorder required to be treated with various drugs. According to Ayurvedha, Withania somnifera was used to treat various diseases including peptic ulcer. The present study was designed to evaluate the antiulcer activity of plant in ethanol induced gastric ulcer. Wister Albino rats were selected and divided into five groups. Group-I (normal saline), group-II (Sucraflate) , group-III (Alpha Lipoic acid powder), group-IV & group-V administered graded doses of plant extract. The drug was given to rats prior to administration of ethanol. Rats were scarified and examined for severity of ulceration. Rats pretreated with standard drug and plant extract showed significant decrease in the average number of ulcers, scoring of ulcer and ulcer incidence and decreased ulcer indexation. The standard drugs and plant extract significantly inhibit the ulcer formation. There are several targets and drugs required to treat the peptic ulcer. Currently increased uses of plants are in treatment of this disease. So the present study was done to evaluate the preventive effect of Withania somnifera antiulcer activity in ethanol induced ulcer. This study observations proved, that this plant has anti-ulcer activity and can be used as an alternative and adjuvant in the treatment of ulcer disease. There is a requirement of further studies to find the active component and dosage of the plant extract.

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