The Effect of <i>Cassia sieberiana</i> Root Bark Extract on Various Experimental Gastric Ulcer Models in Rats

Abstract

The antiulcerogenic effects of the root bark extract of C. sieberiana were studied using various gastric ulcer models in rats. This was to support the rational phytotherapeutic use of Cassia sieberiana root bark extract in managing gastric ulcer. The cytoprotective ability of the extract was tested using the HCl/ethanol and the indomethacin-HCl/ethanol induced gastric lesion models. The healing ability of the extract was tested using the acetic acid induced model. Ulcer index, gastric HCl output, mucus production, pepsin activity and volume of gastric secretion were measured. Oral administration of the abstract (500-1000 mg/kg body weight) inhibited the formation of gastric ulcers induced by . This inhibition was significantly (p <0.05) suppressed by pretreatment of the experimental rats with indomethacin (30 mg/kg i.p). Oral administration of the extract in acetic acid induced ulcers produced significant dose-dependent healing of the gastric ulcers, significantly decreased total gastric HCl output and also significantly increased gastric barrier mucus production but these were not associated with changes in gastric secretion volume or pepsin activity.

Anti-ulcerogenic activity of the root bark extract of the African laburnum “Cassia sieberiana” and its effect on the anti-oxidant defence system in rats

“…This data suggests that C. sieberiana root bark extract possesses strong gastro-cytoprotective properties against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. This is in agreement with earlier reports that the root bark extract possesses anti-ulcerogenic properties in other induced gastric ulcer animal models [8] and is supported by the inhibition of decrease of the anti-oxidative enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx.…”

“…were obtained from the grounds of the University of Ghana, authenticated at the Ghana herbarium and prepared as previously described by Nartey et al [8]. Briefly, chopped fresh root barks of C. sieberiana (750 g) were grounded and mixed with 1L of water and left to stand for 24 hours.…”

“…The concentration of the plant extract was determined based on the earlier report of Nartey et al [8]. One hour after the last administration of the root bark extract and after overnight fasting, animals received absolute ethanol (1 mL/200 g body weight) by the same route [10].…”

“…C. sieberiana has a very wide range of phytotherapeutic application in Ghana including the use of its roots in the management of hernia, leprosy, indigestion and gastric ulcer [7]. Studies by Nartey et al [8] reported that the aqueous root bark extract of C. sieberiana possesses gastro-cytoprotective, anti-secretory and ulcer healing properties with the suggestion that its anti-ulcerogenic activity may be due to inhibition of the H + , K + -ATPase proton pump and increase in activity of gastric anti-oxidative enzymes. In another study by Nartey et al [9], the aqueous root bark extract was shown to possess in vitro free radical scavenging and anti-oxidant properties and could stimulate the production of gastric mucosal prostaglandins E 2 and I 2 .…”

Antioxidant and gastric cytoprotective prostaglandins properties of Cassia sieberiana roots bark extract as an anti-ulcerogenic agent

“…At the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM) in Ghana, an aqueous suspension of the powdered roots bark is used to manage abdominal colic and pains associated with the joints. Earlier studies we conducted indicated that the aqueous roots bark extract of C. sieberiana possesses anti-ulcerogenic properties against gastric ulcers induced by various methods [ 2 ].…”