SUMMARYTrichosanthes cucumerina Linn. (cucurbitaceae) is widely used in Indian folk medicine for variety of disease conditions. The aim of present study was to evaluate the antiulcer activity of 50% ethanolic extract of fruits of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. (TCFE) using various experimental models of gastric and duodenal ulceration in rats. Oral administration of 50% ethanolic extract of fruits of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. was evaluated in rats against ethanol, aspirin and pylorus ligated gastric ulcers as well as cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers. In all the models studied, the antiulcer activity of TCFE compared with that of cimetidine (100 mg/kg, p.o.), an H 2 receptor antagonist. TCFE showed significant antiulcer activity in ethanol-induced and aspirin-induced gastric ulcer models. In 19 h pylorus ligated rats, significant reduction in ulcer index, total acidity and pepsin activity was observed with TCFE, when compared with the control group. Mucosal defensive factors such as pH, mucin activity and gastric wall mucous content was found to be increased with TCFE. TCFE was also, afforded remarkable protection in cysteamine-induced duodenal lesions. The antiulcer activity of TCFE was comparable with that of cimetidine. Thus, TCFE possess significant antiulcer activity against both gastric and duodenal ulcers in rats. The antiulcer activity may be attributed to its cytoprotective action and inhibition of acid secretary parameters.

Punarnavashtak (PN) kwath is a classical Ayurvedic formulation mentioned in Ayurvedic literature "Bhaishyajyaratnavali" for hepatic disorders and asthma. Standardization and clinical trial to support its efficacy are lacking. So, in the present study, standardization of PN kwath was done by using biomarkers, gallic acid and berberine, and its hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by clinical study to rationalise the traditional use of this formulation. PN kwath was standardized by HPTLC (High performance thin layer chromatography) using gallic acid and berberine as biomarkers and was subjected to clinical study. For clinical study patients attending outpatient clinics, with an evidence of liver disease were included in the study. During the study period, patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria were randomly assigned. The recommended dose was 20 ml kwath daily for 8 weeks. All the patients underwent clinical examination and laboratory investigations for liver functions tests before the commencement of therapy. Thereafter, clinical assessments were done after 8 weeks of treatment. The results showed significant changes in liver functions tests [serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin]. There was no report of adverse effects attributable to this formulation. Our results suggest that PN kwath showed significant hepatoprotective activity. Berberine and gallic acid were found to be 0.08 and 4.9%, respectively. Our results suggest that PN kwath showed significant hepatoprotective activity due to presence of various phytoconstituents and support its traditional uses in liver disorder.