AN EVALUATION OF EMBLICAOFFICINALIS (INDIAN GOOSEBERRY) FOR ITS ANTIULCER ACTIVITY

Author: HEMA N.G.

Category: Pharmacology

Abstract:

Background: Peptic ulcer is a serious medical problem because of its frequency, chronicity, complications and expense. It is a reflection of the sustained stress of civilization and represents a constant challenge to the medical practitioner. Emblicaofficinalis has been used in Ayurveda for the treatment of dyspepsia, colic, hyperacidity etc. It may serve as an alternative to conventional therapies with their accompanying side effects.

Objective: To evaluate theaqueous extract of Emblicaofficinalis

Methods:

Emblicaofficinalis was screened by

Aspirin induced mucosal damage method of Hemmati et al.

chronic alcohol induced gastritis by method - P.B. KarMahapatra et al.

Results: The aqueous extract of Emblicaofficinalis (20mg/kg) has significantly reduced ulcer index in both models. As Emblicaofficinalis is a rich source of Vit C which is an antioxidant, it probably owes its antiulcer effect to its free radical scavenging activity.

Keywords: Antiulcer activity, Emblicaofficinalis, peptic ulcer, gastric cytoprotection, ulcer index.