EVALUATION OF GASTROPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF CAJANUS CAJAN SEEDS EXTRACT ON ETHANOL-INDUCED GASTRIC ULCER IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the gastroprotective potential of Cajanus cajan seed aqueous extract (CCSE) on experimentally induced gastric ulcer in albino rats. Methods: Preliminary acute toxicity study was conducted to determine the oral median lethal dose (LD50). Twenty (20) male rats divided into 5 groups (A-E) of 4 animals each were used. Group A (normal control) and B (ulcer model) received 10ml/kg distilled water. Groups C, D and E received Cimetidine (100mg/kg b.w intraperitoneally), 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg b.w of CCSE orally respectively, once daily for seven (7) days. On Day 8, gastric ulcers were induced in groups B – E using 80% ethanol (1ml/rat) prior to sacrifice. Ulcer indices were determined on excised stomach tissues prior to further processing for histological examination. Results: The LD50 of CCSE is greater than 5g/kg b.w. Cimetidine and CCSE treatments showed statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in ulcer indices compared to group B (ulcer model). Histological features revealed noticeable preservation of the gastric mucosa in consistence with the macroscopical findings. Conclusion: The present study revealed that C. cajan seed extract possesses gastroprotective properties against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers.