Antiulcer Properties of the Ethanol Root Extract of Cissampelos mucronata

• Published in: Pharmaceutical biology Vol. 43; no. 5; pp. 396 - 403
• Main Authors: Nwafor, S.V., Okoye, C.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lisse Informa UK Ltd 01.01.2005; Taylor & Francis; Swets & Zeitlinger
• Subjects: Antiulcer; Biological and medical sciences; Cissampelos mucronata; General pharmacology; Medical sciences; Pharmacognosy. Homeopathy. Health food; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; root extract; Antiulcer; Ethanol; Root; root extract; Pharmacognosy; Plant origin; Cissampelos mucronata; Antiulcer agent; Extract; Medicinal plant
• ISSN: 1388-0209; 1744-5116
• DOI: 10.1080/13880200590963222

ABSTRACT The study was undertaken to investigate the antiulcer properties of the ethanol root extract of Cissampelos mucronata. A. Rich (Menispermaceae). Three models of experimental ulcer induction in rats were employed in the study. Oral median lethal dose (LD50) was determined in mice using Lorke's method, and the isolated tissue preparations were used to investigate the effect of the extract on calcium ion mobilization in the ileum and H2-receptor blocking property in nongravid rat uterine strip. Study of the acute toxicity test indicated an LD50 of 288.53 mg/kg. Antiulcer study showed that the extract exhibited dose-dependent antiulcer properties in the order indomethacin > histamine > stress-induced ulcers. The ulcer index recorded for the extract against ulcer induced by indomethacin and histamine were significant at p < 0.05. In vitro. pharmacological studies indicated that the extract possessed ability to block the voltage-gated calcium channels; nevertheless, it did not antagonize histamine-induced relaxation of the rat uterine smooth muscle. The results indicate that the ethanol root extract of C. mucronata. exhibited antiulcer property especially against indomethacin-induced ulcer. Cytoprotection and antispasmodic mechanisms of action may be responsible for the antiulcer properties.