Abstract

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

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

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the gastro protective property of tadalafil in stress – induced gastric ulcer. The wistar rats of male sex (wt =180 – 252 g) were divided into 6 groups (n= 5) and pretreated with the drugs for two weeks prior to gastric ulcer induction. Food was withdrawn 24 h and water 2 h before the commencement of the experiment. Group 1 received control (distilled water); Group 2 and 3 received Tadalafil (50 and 100mg/kg); Group 4 and 5 received tadalafil (50 and 100mg/kg) + Omeprazole 1.75mg/kg) and Group 6 received positive control/ standard Omeprazole (30mg/kg). The ulceration was induced with0.5 ml of 95% ethanol and 0.25 g/kg reserpine respectively on end the 14 days pretreatment course, 1h after the last dose. The ulceration was induced by immersion and mobilization at the end of the 14 days pretreatment course, 1h after the last dose of drugs was given. All drugs were administered through the aid of orogastric cannula. 6 h later, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, dissected and the stomachs were isolated and carefully opened along the greater curvature. Mucous secretion was evaluated. Gastric tissues were obtained and fixed with 10% formaldehyde in saline. Macroscopic examination was carried out with a hand lens and scored for the presence of lesions. The stomach were removed and opened along the greater curvature. The tissues were fixed with 10% formaldehyde in saline. The Ulcer score, Ulcer index, and Preventive ratio of drugs were calculated. From the study, tadalafil 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg reduced significantly (P< 0.05) the level of ulcer index with elevation in percentage protective ratio. The histopathology revealed normal stomach tissue wall and absence of distortion with tadalafil 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg and their various combinations with standard, omeprazole.

Keywords: Gastric ulcer, Tadalafil, ulcer scores, histopathology.