Gastroprotective effect of methanol extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn (whole plant) experimental animals

In Indian traditional medicine, whole plant of Oxalis corniculata Linn (family: Oxalidaceae) is used to treat gastric and related disorders [1]. However, there are no scientific evidences available on its anti-ulcer activity. Hence, present study was carried out to investigate anti-ulcer effect of O. corniculata (whole plant) methanol extract using pyloric ligation and indomethacin induced gastric ulceration in the Sparque-Dawely rats (180–200g) at the dose levels of 125, 250 and 500mg/kg. In pylorus ligation induced ulceration model, various parameters were studied such as gastric secretions, its pH, total acidity, free acidity, and ulcer index, where as in indomethacin induced ulceration model, ulcer index and percentage inhibition of ulceration were calculated. Ranitidine, a standard anti-ulcer/antisecretory agent was used as positive control at the dose 100mg/kg. Results were analyzed by One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnet's t-test. Oral treatment of O. corniculata (whole plant) showed, significant (p<0.01) decrease in the gastric secretions, total acidity and free acidity. However, pH of the gastric content was significantly (p<0.05) increased only at higher dose, 500mg/kg. It showed also significant (p<0.01) decrease in number of ulcers and ulcer score index in pyloric ligation and indomethacin induced ulceration models. Overall, results of the study showed that, the methanol extract of O. corniculata possess significant anti-ulcer properties in a dose dependent manner. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation of the extract showed the presence of flavonoids, which are among the cytoprotective materials for which anti-ulcerogenic efficacy has been confirmed. Hence, the present anti-ulcer activity of O. corniculata extract could be attributed to the presence of flavonoids.

References: 1. Kiritikar K., Basu B., (1984) Indian medicinal plants, Lalit Mohan Basu. Dehradun. 437.