Protective effect of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula leaves on ethanol and ethanol/HCl induced ulcer in rats and its antimicrobial potency

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To explore antiulcer and antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula.@*METHODS@#Gastroprotective potential of Polyalthia longifolia was studied on ethanol and ethanol/HCl induced ulcers at 2 different doses (270 and 540 mg/kg/body weight). Antimicrobial efficacy of Polyalthia longifolia (25 mg/mL) was also studied against six gram positive, seven gram negative bacteria and five fungi by agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by agar well diffusion method in two fold serial dilution, in the range of 97-25,000 μg/mL.@*RESULTS@#The reduction of ulcer index in Polyalthia longifolia treated animals was found to be statistically significant with respect to control animals. The Polyalthia longifolia exhibited ulcer protection activity in dose dependent manner and was also better than the standard. In antimicrobial activity, gram positive bacteria were more susceptible to Polyalthia longifolia than gram negative bacteria and fungal strains.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Results obtained confirm the antiulcer and antimicrobial potential of the Polyalthia longifolia.