Evaluation of the Anti-Ulcer Activity of Hydromethanolic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Root of Rumex nepalensis in Rats

From lab to nature: Recent advancements in the journey of gastroprotective agents from medicinal chemistry to phytotherapy

Peptic ulcer, affecting 10 % of the global population, results from imbalances in gastric juice pH and diminished mucosal defences. Key underlying factors are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori infection, undermining mucosal resistance. Traditional treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists exhibit drawbacks such as adverse effects, relapses, and drug interactions. This review extensively explores the ethnomedicinal, synthetic and pharmacological facets of various potential peptic ulcer treatments. Rigorous methodologies involving electronic databases, and chemical structure verification via 'PubChem' and 'SciFinder' enhance the review's credibility. The provided information, spanning medicinal insights to intricate pharmacological mechanisms, establishes a robust groundwork for future research and the development of plant-derived or synthetic molecules for peptic ulcers, offering a promising alternative to conventional therapies.

Neuropeptide W facilitates chronic gastric ulcer healing by the regulation of cyclooxygenase and NF-κB signaling pathways

AIMS

Putative beneficial effects of neuropeptide W (NPW) in the early phase of gastric ulcer healing process and the involvement of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes were investigated in an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model.

MAIN METHODS

In anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats, acetic acid was applied surgically on the serosa and then a COX-inhibitor (COX-2-selective NS-398, COX-1-selective ketorolac, or non-selective indomethacin; 2 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day or 5 mg/kg/day; respectively) or saline was injected intraperitoneally. One h after ulcer induction, omeprazole (20 mg/kg/day), NPW (0.1 μg/kg/day) or saline was intraperitoneally administered. Injections of NPW, COX-inhibitors, omeprazole or saline were continued for the following 2 days until rats were decapitated at the end of the third day.

KEY FINDINGS

NPW treatment depressed gastric prostaglandin (PG) I2 level, but not PGE2 level. Similar to omeprazole, NPW treatment significantly reduced gastric and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta levels and depressed the upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and COX-2 expressions due to ulcer. In parallel with the histopathological findings, treatment with NPW suppressed ulcer-induced increases in myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde level and replenished glutathione level. However, the inhibitory effect of NPW on myeloperoxidase activity and NPW-induced increase in glutathione were not observed in the presence of COX-1 inhibitor ketorolac or the non-selective COX-inhibitor indomethacin.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, NPW facilitated the healing of gastric injury in rats via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration as well as the downregulation of COX-2 protein and NF-κB gene expressions.

Ipomoea carnea mitigates ethanol-induced ulcers in irradiated rats via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway: an in vivo and in silico study

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Ipomoea carnea flower methanolic extract (ICME) as a natural gastroprotective therapy against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, particularly in individuals exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). The study focused on the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa from oxidative stress and inflammation. Male Wistar rats were divided into nine groups, the control group received distilled water orally for one week, while other groups were treated with ethanol to induce stomach ulcers, IR exposure, omeprazole, and different doses of ICME in combination with ethanol and/or IR. The study conducted comprehensive analyses, including LC-HRESI-MS/MS, to characterize the phenolic contents of ICME. Additionally, the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, oxidative stress parameters, gastric pH, and histopathological changes were examined. The results showed that rats treated with IR and/or ethanol exhibited histopathological alterations, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1. However, pretreatment with ICME significantly improved these parameters. Phytochemical analysis identified 39 compounds in ICME, with flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic acids, and fatty acids as the predominant compounds. Virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that ICME may protect against gastric ulceration by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of ICME as a natural gastroprotective therapy for preventing gastric ulcers. These findings contribute to the development of novel interventions for gastrointestinal disorders using natural plant extracts particularly in individuals with a history of radiation exposure.

Pylorus ligation-induced hyperacidity: synergistic prophylactic effects of linagliptin and L-arginine via up-regulation of EP4 receptor subtype and improvement of vascular endothelial damage

Gastric hyperacidity and ulceration are chronic diseases characterized by repeated healing followed by re-exacerbation. The study aims to protect against gastric hyperacidity without interfering with gastric acid secretion. Pylorus ligation-induced hyperacidity is commonly utilized in the induction of gastric ulcers.Forty-two rats were distributed into seven groups (n = 6). Group I comprised sham-operated group. Group II served as pylorus-ligation group. Groups III-VII were given oral Linagliptin (LN; 3 and 6 mg/kg), L-arginine (LA; 150 and 300 mg/kg) and their combination (LN 3 + LA 150 mg/kg), respectively for 7 days. On the 8th day, groups II-VII were subjected to pylorus-ligation.Treatment of pylorus-ligated rats with LN, LA and their combination improved the gastric hyperacidity as exhibited by a marked reduction in the gastric juice volume, total and free acidities and pepsin contents with a noticeable increase in pH. Pre-treatment with LN, LA and their combination showed a marked alleviation in the gastric inflammatory indicators evidenced by reduction in the gastric levels of MCP-1and Il-1β as well as elevation of eNOS levels versus the sham-operated group. A marked up-regulation in the gastric gene expression of PGE, EP4 and VEGF accompanied by an improvement of the histopathologic pictures/scores, and TNF-α and caspase-3 immuno-staining were also recorded.By estimating the combination-index, it can be concluded that combining LN with LA exhibited prophylactic synergistic effects in ameliorating pylorus ligated-induced hyperacidity, mainly via up-regulation of EP4 receptor and improvement of vascular endothelial damage through VEGF expression in gastric mucosa.

Gastroprotective Activities of Aqueous and 80% Methanol Leaf Extracts of Stephania abyssinica (Quart.-Dill. and A. Rich.) Walp. (Menispermaceae) in Rats

Background

An ethnobotanical study showed that the leaf of Stephania abyssinica (S. abyssinica) is used for the treatment of gastritis, but there is no scientific investigation.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastroprotective activities of both aqueous and 80% methanol leaf extracts of S. abyssinica in experimental rats.

Methods

Decoction and maceration techniques were used to prepare aqueous and 80% methanol leaf extracts, respectively. The extracts were evaluated against pyloric ligation, indomethacin, and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Negative control received 2% tween 80, while positive controls received 20 mg/kg of omeprazole and 100 µg/kg of misoprostol. Parameters, such as ulcer index, gastric mucin content, gastric juice volume, pH, and free and total acidity were measured.

Results

In the pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcer model, all doses of both extracts significantly reduced the ulcer index and gastric juice volume, while doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant increment in mucus content and gastric juice pH as well as decrease in free and total acidity as compared to negative control. In indomethacin and ethanol induced gastric ulcer models, pretreatment with both extracts significantly reduced the ulcer index and enhanced gastric mucin content in a dose-dependent manner. Phytochemical screening of both extracts showed the existence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and coumarins with high contents of phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids in 80% methanol extract.

Conclusion

This study revealed that aqueous and 80% methanol leaf extracts of S. abyssinica possessed remarkable gastroprotective activities against experimentally induced gastric ulcer models, and this possibly justify the traditional use of S. abyssinica leaves to treat gastritis.

Antiulcer Effect of Aqueous Ethanolic Extracts of Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf) Harms (Meliaceae) and Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae)

Purpose

This study aimed to provide pharmacological evidence of Pseudocedrela kotschyi and Ximenia americana in preventing or healing peptic ulcers claimed by traditional healers in Burkina Faso.

Methods

The trunk bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi and the roots bark of Ximenia americana (Olacaceae) were macerated in mixed ethanol/water (80:20), respectively, to obtain dried extracts. Two models of hydrochloric acid (HCl, 0.3 M/ethanol, 60%) and hypothermic stress-induced peptic ulcer were used. The cytoprotective effect of individual or combined plant extracts was assessed at 1; 10; 30mg/kg. bw. Then, the healing effect of the extracts at 10mg/kg.bw was evaluated within 21 days of treatment on the hydrochloric acid-induced ulcer model. The extracts' antioxidant activity and phenolic content were assessed to support the plant extracts' efficiency.

Results

The extracts of P. kotschyi and X. americana at 10 mg/kg.bw reduced ulceration index in hydrochloric acid- and hypothermic stress-ulcer models by more than 83% and 65%, respectively. The extract from X. americana at 10mg/kg.bw allowed complete ulcer healing but not the association of the two plant extracts. The plant extracts had IC₅₀of inhibition of DPPH radical lower than 5μg/mL and total ferric reducing antioxidant power of more than 77 mg EQAA/100mg. The total polyphenolic content was 64.82 ±0.99 and 53.75 ±1.39 mg EGA/g of dried extract of P. kotschyi and X. americana, respectively.

Conclusion

X. americana extract is better than the combined two plant extracts in gastric cytoprotection and ulcer healing. Further investigations are needed to highlight mechanism-based effects.

Antiulcer Activity of Anthraquinone-Flavonoid Complex of Rumex tianschanicus Losinsk

The composition of an ethanol extract from the roots of Rumex tianschanicus Losinsk of the Trans-Ili Alatau wild flora was studied in order to determine its antiulcer activity. The phytochemical composition of the anthraquinone-flavonoid complex from (AFC) R. tianschanicus revealed the presence of numerous polyphenolic compounds, the most abundant of which are anthraquinones (1.77%), flavonoids (6.95%), and tannins (13.39%). The use of column chromatography (CC) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in conjunction with UV, IR, NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry data allowed the researchers to isolate and identify the major components of the anthraquinone-flavonoid complex's polyphenol fraction: physcion, chrysophanol, emodin, isorhamnetin, quercetin, and myricetin. The gastroprotective effect of the polyphenolic fraction of the anthraquinone-flavonoid complex (AFC) of R. tianschanicus roots was examined in an experimental model of rat gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin. The preventive and therapeutic effect of the anthraquinone-flavonoid complex at a dose of 100 mg/kg was analyzed using intragastric administration per day for 1 to 10 days, followed by a histological examination of stomach tissues. It has been demonstrated that prophylactic and prolonged use of the AFC R. tianschanicus in laboratory animals resulted in significantly less pronounced hemodynamic and desquamative changes in the epithelium of gastric tissues. The acquired results thus offer fresh insight into the anthraquinone and flavonoid metabolite component composition of R. tianschanicus roots, and they imply that the examined extract can be used to develop herbal medicines with antiulcer activity.

Review of Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Evidence of Some Ethiopian Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatment

A peptic ulcer is described as the rupture of the mucosal integrity of the stomach, the duodenum, and, in certain cases, the lower esophagus as a result of contact with chloridopeptic secretions. The two most common kinds of peptic ulcer disorders are referred to as “gastric ulcer” and “duodenal ulcer.” The name is derived from the location of the ulceration. Despite the promise of a wide range of antiulcer treatments, these therapies are associated with several adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity, arrhythmia, impotence, gynecomastia, galactorrhea, hematological abnormalities, and kidney disease, which are intolerable for many patients. Nowadays, there is a lot of emphasis on finding new and innovative agents. As a result, herbal medicines are commonly utilized in circumstances when drugs are used for long periods and are also cost-efficient, effective, and readily available. In this review paper, a total of 82 medicinal plants have been identified and reported for their use in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. The majority of these medicinal plants are widely used throughout Ethiopia. However, only the safety and efficacy of Plantago lanceolata, Osyris quadripartita, Rumex nepalensis, Cordia africana, Croton macrostachyus, and Urtica simensis have been scientifically studied in animal models. Despite this, many medicinal plants’ pharmacological effects and chemistry have not been well studied scientifically. As a result, further bioactive compound characterization, efficacy, mechanism of action evaluation, and toxicity evaluation of medicinal plants should be carried out. A study that can improve the documentation of indigenous knowledge and contribute to drug development and future self-reliance is also recommended.

Gastroprotective, Biochemical and Acute Toxicity Effects of Papaver decaisnei against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats

Papaver decaisnei (P. decaisnei) has been used as folkloric medicine for many health issues including gastric problems. The current study investigates the gastroprotective roles of P. decaisnei against ethanol-induced ulcers in rodents. Sprague Dawley rats (30) were separated into five groups: the normal group (G1) and the ulcer control group (G2) were orally administered 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC); the reference group (G3) was administered 20 mg/kg of Omeprazole; two experimental groups were fed with 200 mg/kg (G4) and 400 mg/kg (G5) of the P. decaisnei extract (PDE), respectively. Next, the rats were given absolute ethanol and sacrificed for the analysis of the gastric mucosal injury through microscopic, enzymatic, histologic, and immunohistochemistry assays. The ulcer controls showed significant superficial hemorrhagic gastric mucosal lesions, with a decreased gastric wall mucus and edema production, whereas fewer were found for the reference and plant-treated rats. Furthermore, the PDE pre-treated rats had a significantly reduced the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining intensity, produced the upregulation of the HSP70 protein, and the downregulation of the Bax protein expressions in the stomach epithelium. P. decaisnei displayed a significant role in the upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and PGE2), significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-a, IL-6, and upraised the IL-10 levels. Based on the positive impacts, the PDE can be proposed as the protective/treatment agent against gastric ulcers and stomach lesions.

Evaluation of In vivo antidiarrheal activity of hydro-methanolic extract of the root of Rumex nepalensis in Swiss Albino mice

Background

Natural products have been utilized by human beings for thousands of years to relieve a variety of ailments, including diarrhea. Conventional antidiarrheal drugs are associated with multiple adverse effects and contraindications. Traditionally, Rumex nepalensis by crushing the root, mix with water and then drunk the juice is extensively used for treating diarrhea. However, no scientific research has been done yet to support its antidiarrheal efficacy and safety. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity and safety profile of the plant in mice.

Methods

The hydro-methanolic extract was extracted through a cold maceration technique using 80% methanol. Castor oil-induced diarrheal, gastro-intestinal transit, and enteropooling models have been employed to assess the antidiarrheal activity of the test extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg.

Results

The crude root extract caused no mortality at a single limit test dose of 2 g/kg throughout the first 24 h and for the rest of the 14 days. In a castor oil-induced diarrheal model, the hydro-methanolic extract markedly delayed the onset of diarrhea, reduced the weight of wet and total feces at 100 (P<.05), 200 (P<.01), and 400 mg/kg (P<.001) test doses. Meanwhile, at 200 (P<.01) and 400 mg/kg (P<.001) doses, the plant extract considerably lowered the weight and volume of intestinal contents. In the gastro-intestinal transit model, however, a dramatic inhibition in the charcoal meal travel was noticed at 100 (P<.05), 200 (P<.01), and 400 mg/kg (P<.001) test doses. The peak antidiarrheal index was exhibited at the highest dose of the test extract.

Conclusion

The study speculated that Rumex nepalensis root extract possesses antidiarrheal activity, which could be owing to its inhibitory effect on both gastro-intestinal motility and fluid secretion.

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Traditionally, the root extract of Rumex nepalensis is given for managing diarrhea.

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Phytochemical screening test revealed the presence of various bioactive chemicals.

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The test extract at 2 g/kg is safe following a single dose administration.

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The plant extract possesses both anti-secretory and anti-motility effect.

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The findings approved the antidiarrheal effect of the plant extract.

Evaluation of the Antiulcer Activity of Methanolic Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Leaves of Calpurnia aurea (Ait.) Benth. (Fabaceae) in Rats

Introduction. In Ethiopia, traditionally, the leaves of Calpurnia aurea have been utilized to treat peptic ulcer disease. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to examine the antiulcer activity of Calpurnia aurea hydromethanolic leaf extract and solvent fractions in rats. Methods. The ulcer-healing potential of the crude test extract was assessed in rats by adopting pyloric ligation-, acidified ethanol-, and acetic acid-induced ulcer methods; while, in solvent fractions, the acidified ethanol-induced ulcer model was used. In all models, three serial test doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were given and the antiulcer activity was investigated. Standard drugs like sucralfate (100 mg/kg), omeprazole (20 mg/kg), and cimetidine (100 mg/kg) have been used as a positive control; whereas distilled water (10 mL/kg) was used as the negative control. Parameters like ulcer index, total acidity, pH, gastric volume, and gastric mucin level were all measured. Results. In an acute toxicity study, the test extract at the limit test dose (2 g/kg) was safe following a single dose administration. In pyloric ligation-induced ulcers, the plant extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the ulcer index, the volume of stomach secretion, and total acidity while raising gastric pH and mucus content ( $P<0.05$ ). Likewise, in the acidified ethanol- and acetic acid-induced ulcer models, the extract at both test doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) also displayed a substantial reduction ( $P<0.05$ ) in ulcer index. Among the fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction revealed remarkable cytoprotective activity at all test doses and the aqueous fraction at 400 mg/kg ( $P<0.05$ ). In contrast, the effect of chloroform fraction was found to be negligible. The peak ulcer inhibition was noted at 400 mg/kg of ethyl acetate fraction (52.4%). Conclusion. The study showed that the crude extract and solvent fractions possess remarkable antiulcer activity.

Glinus lotoides linn. Seed extract as antidiabetic agent: In vitro and in vivo anti-glucolipotoxicity efficacy in Type-II diabetes mellitus

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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G. lotoides seed extract is used to treat diabetes in Ethiopian folkloric medicine.

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It inhibits α-amylase, cholesterol esterase, lipase, and α-glucosidase enzymes.

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Attributed by hypoglycaemic, anti-hyperglycaemic, and anti-dyslipidaemic features.

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Possesses glucolipotoxicity inhibition potential in type II diabetes mellitus.

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Promising nutraceutical-based therapy novel candidate for diabetes mellitus thereof.

Antimalarial Efficacy of Hydromethanolic Root Extract and Solvent Fractions of Urtica simensis Hochst. ex. A. Rich. (Urticaceae): An Experimental Study on Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Background. Despite modern therapeutic armamentariums, malaria remains a 21st century public health menace. The issue of combating malaria is the ever-growing resistance to high-tech medications in which novel phytomedicines are highly demanding, a rapidly expanding research avenue. In Ethiopian folklore medicine, Urtica simensis has been used to treat malaria by drinking its juice after the dry roots have been mashed and combined with water. Hitherto, no in vivo study has been reported in the literature so far. To substantiate this folkloric claim, the present work herein was done. Methods. An acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per the standard protocol. To rule out, the extract’s inherent potential effects on bodyweight, basal body To, and PCV changes were tracked for two weeks. A four-day suppressive model and a curative assay model were utilized to investigate the antimalarial activity of the plant. Percent parasitemia suppression, packed cell volume, mean survival date, bodyweight, and rectal body temperature were used to determine antimalarial activity. Result. An acute toxicity study reveals that Urtica simensis was atoxic at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. It also affirms that U. simensis is free from intrinsic potential effects of interfering with bodyweight, temperature, and packed cell volume evolution. Both crude extract and its solvent fractions at all test doses exerted significant ( $P<0.001$ ) inhibition of parasitemia as compared to the control group. CF400 mg/kg provided the greatest chemosuppressive effect (79.24%). In a curative experiment, crude extract and CF were able to prevent the cardinal indications of P. berghei-induced malaria, such as weight loss, hypothermia, parasitemia, and anemia. Both crude extracts and their solvent fractions prolong survival dates. Conclusion. The antimalarial activity of the crude extract and its solvent fractions was promising, confirming previous assertions. As a result, more research studies into chemical entities may be required.

Hydromethanolic Crude Extract of the Leaf of Urtica simensis Hochst. ex. A. Rich. (Urticaceae) Acquires Appreciable Antiulcer Effect: Validation for In Vivo Antiulcer Activity

BACKGROUND

Urtica simensis has been used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease in Ethiopian folkloric medicine by drinking its juice after boiling the semicrushed leaf. To our latest understanding, no in vivo study was available regarding its antiulcer activity. The present study was done to appraise the ulcer-protective and ulcer healing activity of hydromethanolic crude extract of leaf of U. simensis in rats.

METHODS

Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening and oral acute toxicity were carried out using a standard protocol. To validate U. simensis in vivo antiulcer potential pyloric ligature, cold restraint stress and acetic acid-induced ulcer models were employed. The extracts (100, 200, and 400 mg per kg of body weight per day), standard treatment (omeprazole 20 mg/kg/day), and vehicle (distilled water 10 ml/kg/day) were given to treatment, positive, and negative controls by oral gavage, respectively. Parameters were then evaluated accordingly after the humane scarification of rats.

RESULTS

Any sign of toxicity was not observed in the oral acute toxicity test. The crude extracts exerted a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of ulcer risk compared to the negative control. In the pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model, its antisecretory activity was in a dose-dependent manner. The highest gastroprotective effect (67.68%) was exhibited by the 400 mg/kg/day dose of 80% methanolic crude extract. Regarding the chronic ulcer model, treatment at a dosage of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day cures ulcers by 33.54%, 58.33%, and 67.07%, respectively, as compared to the negative control groups remarkably.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study confirmed the safety and a promising in vivo ulcer healing and antiulcerogenic activity of U. simensis, thus supporting the traditional claim. In-depth investigations on the plant, however, are highly recommended.

Evaluation of In Vivo Antiulcer Activity of Hydro-Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Stem Bark of Ficus thonningii (Moraceae) on Rodent Models

INTRODUCTION

The stem bark of Ficus thonningii is used by Ethiopian traditional healers and the community for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Thus, the current study was aimed at evaluating the antiulcer effect of hydro-methanol extract and solvent fractions of F. thonningii.

METHODS

The stem bark of F. thonningii was collected and shed dried. Then, the stem bark was extracted by 80% hydro-methanol solvents and dried. The part of the dried hydro-methanol extract was further fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, and distilled water. Dose-dependent pylorus ligation, curative indomethacin-induced, and time-dependent ethanol-induced ulcer models were evaluated for the hydro-methanol extract and solvent fractions. Statistical analysis was done by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The analyses were carried out using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's multiple comparison tests. The result was considered significant when p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The extract of F. thonningii showed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in total acidity at all the tested doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). All the tested doses of the hydro-methanol extract significantly reduced the gastric volume as compared to the vehicle (NC) (p < 0.01). The gastric pH was significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 200 and 400 mg/kg. Similarly, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) lowered gastric ulceration as compared to the NC. The hydro-methanol extract and aqueous fractions of F. thonningii at 200 mg/kg showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the ulcer index on a repeated dose of the hydro-methanol and solvent fractions. Ulcer healing effect on indomethacin-induced ulcer was not significant (p > 0.05) for all tested doses of the hydro-methanol extract.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that the stem bark of F. thonningii has a potential antiulcer activity that might be due to antisecretory or cytoprotective effects.

Phytochemical investigation and potential pharmacologically active compounds of Rumex nepalensis: an appraisal

Background

Rumex nepalensis, a widely known traditional medicinal plant and is used as the source of medicines and human diet in various communities. Currently, the phytochemical investigation and pharmacological studies of R. nepalensis are of significant research interest. Therefore, the current review is mainly focused on the phytochemical investigation and pharmacological applications of R. nepalensis

Main body

Various secondary metabolites like emodin, endocrocin, chrysophanol, neopodin, physcion, torachrysone, aloesin, catechin, quercetin, resveratrol, and their derivatives were isolated from root and aerial parts of the plant. Both isolated compounds and extracts from R. nepalensis are reported to have pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound healing, and anti-plasmodial activities

Conclusions

Different parts of R. nepalensis have ethnomedicinal importance. R. nepalensis is one of the potential sources of pharmacologically active extracts and isolated compounds. In future R. nepalensis can play a vital role for the preparation of modern drugs.

Graphical abstract