ANTI-ULCER POTENTIAL OF LOBOPHORA VARIEGATA (LAMOUR.) WOMERSLEY EX OLIVIERA (BROWN SEAWEED) IN HARE ISLAND, THOOTHUKUDI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

The anti-ulcer potential of methanolic extract of Lobophora variegata (Lamour.) Womersley ex Oliviera (Phaeophyceae) collected from Hare Island, Thoothukudi in the south east coast of Tamil Nadu, India was studied in aspirin induced ulceration in Wistar albino rats. Anti-ulcer effect was evaluated by measuring ulcer index and percentage of ulcer healing. The methanolic extract of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of Lobophora variegata was found significant antiulcer activity as evidenced by the data obtained. Among the two concentrations studied, 200mg/kg methanolic extract showed more effective compared to 400mg/kg. The present experimental findings suggested that methanol extract of Lobophora variegata can be useful for treating peptic ulcers. Key words: Brown seaweeds, Lobophora variegata, anti-ulcer, methanolic