A POSSIBLE GASTROPROTECTIVE AND IN VITRO ANTI - OXIDANT EFFECT OF HIBISCUS AGAINST EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED ULCER IN RATS

The anti-ulcer activity of methanolic extract of whole plant Hibiscus tiliaceus (Malvaceae) was investigated in ethanol induced ulcer model in wistar rats. Ulcer index was used as the common parameter to determine the activity. Maceration was the extraction procedure used. Then, the extract was screened for the presence of phytochemical constituents. In-vitro anti-oxidant studies were performed using H2O2 radical scavenging and reducing power assay. Albino rats of either sex weighing between 160-250 gms were divided into five groups of six animals each (n=6). The in-vitro anti-oxidant studies revealed that the inhibitions were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The methanolic extract at doses 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg p.o produced significant inhibition of the gastric lesions produced by ethanol. It also significantly (P<0.05) reduced gastric volume, free acidity and ulcer index as compared to positive control and standard drug treated animals. The obtained data suggested that methanolic extract possess potent anti-ulcer activity, which might be due to its anti-secretory activity. The presence of flavanoids in the extract supports its activity. Thus, the present investigation concluded that the methanolic extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus is possessed anti-oxidant and anti-ulcer property.