The anti-ulcerogenic activity of Plantago major Linn.

ABSTRACT

Plantago major Linn. (Ahkyaw-baung-tahtaung; Mann-sote ywet; Htaung-Khaung-pwa; Sai-Kyaw-gyi; Phar-Kyaw-ywet) has long been used in official folk medicine for various purposes. Ethnobotanic field survey in Russia has shown that P. major (Plantaginaceae) can be used in the treatment of acid-peptic gastritis. So the plant was investigated for the anti-peptic ulcer activity by the previously standardized method using cimetidine. The aqueous extract of air-dried leaves of the plant was found to have a significant anti-ulcerogenic activity against aspirin-induced ulceration in in-vivo rat model (p < 0.005). The reduced ulcer severity was seen by the ulcer index of 8.4 + 1.0 in the treated group when compared to the ulcer index of 20.6 + 3.5 in the untreated group, showing a 59 percent healing activity of the ulcers.