ABSTRACT
Peptic ulcer is a disease of the Gastro-intestinal tract (GIT), which includes both gastric and duodenal ulcers. The occurrence of peptic ulcer disease has been attributed to the imbalance between aggressive factors like acid, pepsin, and Helicobacter infection on one hand and the local mucosa defenses like bicarbonate and mucus secretion and prostaglandins synthesis on the other hand. The most serious complications of peptic ulcer disease include hemorrhage, perforation, penetration, and gastric outlet obstruction. Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is a form of colitis, a disease of the colon that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores. IBD is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome. Ulcerative colitis is associated with a general inflammatory process that affects many parts of the body. Sometimes these associated extra-intestinal symptoms are the initial signs of the disease, such as painful arthritic knees in a teenager and may be seen in adults also. Several classes of pharmacological agents have proved to be effective in the management of the acid peptic disorders viz., antacids, acid suppressive agents, anticholinergic, cytoprotective agents, etc. A widespread search has been launched to identify new anti-ulcer therapies from natural sources to replace currently used drugs of doubtful efficacy and safety. Herbs, medicinal plants, spices, vegetables and crude drug substances are considered to be a potential source to control various diseases including gastric ulcer and ulcerative colitis. In the scientific literature, a large number of medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites with anti-ulcer potential have been reported. As the gastro protective effect can be linked to different mechanisms, once demonstrated the activity, the extracts and more appropriately the active compounds should be assessed for action mechanisms to elucidate their mode of action. Besides, new action mechanisms may be discovered.