Antiulcer activity of the ethyl acetate fraction of Anchomanes difformis

The tuber of Anchomanes difformis is used by local herbalists in Nigeria especially in the western part of the country for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.

This study was carried out to evaluate the possible gastroprotective properties of the ethylacetate fraction of A. difformis on lesions induced by indomethacin, ethanol and pylorus ligation in rats. Oral administration of the extract (200mg/kg and 500mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent and significant (p<0.001) reduction in total acid output and severity of ulceration in the pylorus ligation model. These same doses of the extract also produced dose-dependent and significant (p<0.001) protection against ethanol-induced and indomethacin-induced ulcerations. The protection conferred by the extract was comparable to the effect of the standard ulcer drug – ranitidine – on these same models. Addition of the extract to 0.1 N HCl caused very little variation in pH suggesting a lack of buffering ability. Results obtained suggest that the ethylacetate fraction of Anchomanes difformis possesses clear gastroprotective activity. This activity may not be due to neutralization of gastric acid but may result from its ability to reduce total acid output, or via the production of prostaglandins and free radical scavengers which protect the gastric mucosa. Drugs with multiple mechanisms of protective action, including antioxidant properties, may be a way forward in minimizing injury in human disease [1]. The effectiveness of the extract in the three ulcer models studied points to its usefulness in the management of ulcer and this may provide the basis for its local use in this ailment

Reference: [1] Barry, H. (1991) Drugs 42:569.