Evaluation of gastroprotective ability of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius corms against indomethacin induced gastric ulcers

Peptic ulcer is regarded as a multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder in its pathophysiology including free radical generations. Thereby free radical scavengers can play an important role in such diseases. The methanolic extract of Corms of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius exhibited remarkable anti-oxidant activity in various In-vitro models. Further, preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenolic compounds; fl avonoids and tannins which are known to possess anti-ulcer activity. In light of these fi nding, it was under taken to investigate the gastroprotective activity of methanolic extract gainst NSAID–Indomethacin (30 mg/kg p.o.) induced gastotoxicity in Wistar albino rats wherein the animals were orally administered with two different doses of test extract (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.) or with reference drug Lansoprozole (8 mg/kg p.o.). Animals were analyzed for Ulcer score, and in vitro estimation of GSH and LPO. Extract showed signifi cant (p<0.001) reduction in ulcer index in dose dependent manner along with significant restoration of protective-GSH levels and suppression of LPO levels in tissues, in comparison with Standard. It was concluded that gastroprotective effect possessed by test extract may be offered by its bioactive phytoantioxidant constituents mainly the nine polyphenolics including Quercetin and Gallic acid revealed in HPTLC analysis.