ABSTRACT
Aim: To explore the ulceroprotective and antioxidant potential of Hyssopus officinalis in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Study Design: Administration of plant extract and evaluation of antiulcer activity. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Rayat Institute of Pharmacy, Railmajra, District SBS Nagar. Performed between August 2011- June 2012. Methodology: In the present study 1 ml of ethanol was administered to the overnight fasted rats which were sacrificed after 1 hour. Ethanolic extract of Hyssopus officinalis (EEHO) at the dose of 100 and 125 mg/kg was administered to albino rats 1 hour before the administration of ethanol. Animals were there then sacrificed and tissue homogenate was used for various biochemical parameters in order to explore the ulceroprotective and antioxidant potential of the plant. Results: Administration of 1 ml of ethanol to overnight fasted rats resulted in increased ulcer index, total acidity and decreased pH. Further, it has been observed that in ethanol administered rats there was increased generation of reactive oxygen species estimated by increased level of TBARS and attenuated levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide along with decreased secretion of mucin. Further, ethanol administration too has a detrimental effect on the integrity of stomach. Pre-treatment with EEHO showed a great antiulcer and antioxidant potential depicted by decreased generation of ROS improved the integrity of stomach, and increased the nitric oxide level. Most importantly, EEHO significantly improved the mucus secretion estimated by gastric adhesion mucus content. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that pre-treatment with EEHO has a significant ulceroprotective and antioxidant activity in ethanol-induced ulcers, which supports its traditional use in folk medicine. This may open vista to explore various other therapeutic implications of this plant.
ABSTRACT
Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) belongs to the family Cactaceae. Family Cactaceae is reported to contain about 130 genera and nearly 1500 species. This plant is native of Mexico and it is widely distributed in Mexico and in all American hemispheres as well as in Africa and in the Mediterranean basin. It has been used in traditional folk medicine because of its role in treating a number of diseases and conditions, including anti-inflammatory effects hypoglycemic effects inhibition of stomach ulceration, neuroprotective effects Through antioxidant actions and also used for treating diabetes, burns, bronchial, asthma and indigestion in many countries over the world. It is also used in Pharma industry as a pharmaceutical agent. The fruit, as well as cactus stem are used to prepare value-added products, such as jam, squash, wine, pickle, body lotions, shampoo, creams, etc. It also has several medicinal and industrial uses. Its seeds can be used as flavouring agents. Due to the remarkable biological activity of Opuntia and its constituents, it will be appropriate to develop them as a medicine.
ABSTRACT
Ficus religiosa (Bo tree) is the most popular member of the genus Ficus, commonly named as Peepal. Various parts of the plant, like bark, fruit, leaves and seeds are widely used in indigenous system of medicine. F. religiosa showed a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities like, anticonvulsant, anthelmintic, anti-amnesic, anti-anxiety, anti-asthmatic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiulcer. The present review is an attempt to provide a detailed survey of the literature on traditional uses and pharmacological properties of the plant.