Abstract

THE PHYTO-PROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS ON GASTRIC MUCOSA WALL FROM WEST AFRICA

Stanley E. Ukwueze, Chioma C. Chukwunweike and Doris N. Ajibo*

Abstract

Gastric lesions and ulcerations are predominantly induced by aggressive factors such as stress, alcohol consumption, and Helicobacter pylori infection due to the use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. The use of phyto-therapy in management of gastric ulcerations and lesions dates back centuries ago. So many plant-derived compounds are employed clinically to manage diseases and they were also the basis of drug discovery. Plant products with gastro-protective and cyto-protective properties are widely employed globally due to their natural source and minimal adverse effects. Secondary metabolites found in these plants can be utilized for the management of various ailments. Some examples of plant bioactive compounds are alkaloids, flavonoids, carnitine, choline, phenolic acids, saponin, glycosides, polyphenols and taurine. However, vitamins and minerals elicit pharmacological activity and are categorized as bioactive agents. Some of these bioactive compounds/ secondary metabolites are found in food.

Keywords: Plants, Secondary metabolites, Gastric ulcer, Cyto-protection.