Morphological gastroprotective effects of heliotropium indicum on gastric ulcerated mucosa

ABSTRACT

Heliotropium indicum belongs to the family Boraginaceae. It is found in tropical and non-tropical countries. It bears various names such as Ogbe Akuko in the Yoruba part of Nigeria. It is used locally to treat ailments such as ulcer and fever. Aqueous extract of the dried leaves of Heliotropium indicum was prepared. 100, 200 and 400mg/kg/body weight dosages of the aqueous extract were used in the study. 80mg/kg/body weight of lndomethacin was used to induce gastric mucosa ulceration in adult Wistar rats weighing between 75 - 150kg. Phytochemical analyses were carried out to evaluate the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids in the aqueous extract used in the study. The phytochemical analyses of the extract showed the presence of alkaloid, saponins, and tannins. However, phytochemical analyses showed the non-presence of cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, flavonoids and carbohydrates. It was observed that aqueous extract of the dried leaves of Heliotropium indicum reduced 80mg/kg/bodyweight of Indomethacin induced gastric mucosa ulceration in rats when administered orally. In the experiment 100mg/kg of the extract showed percentage ulcer reduction of 31%, 200mg/kg of the extract showed 81% ulcer reduction while 400mg/kg of the extract showed 87.5% ulcer reduction. This shows that reduction of the ulceration was dose dependent. It has been observed that Indomethacin induced ulceration is via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Although, the precise mechanism of action of Heliotropium indicum is not clear, it is possible that its gastroprotective function is due to its ability to mobilize endogenous prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa. The gastro protective potential of Hellotropium indicum might in part be due to its tannins and saponin constituents. In spite of this potential, it's worth noting that the effective dosage of gastroprotective concentration should not be exceeded