Al-Hikmah University Journal

Objective: The ethanolic leaf extract of N. latifolia (EENL) was investigated for its gastric acid antisecretory effects on ethanol-induced gastric ulcerated rats using an in vivo assay. Methods: Gastric mucosal ulceration was induced experimentally in Groups 2 to 5 rats using ethanol. Five groups of rats were orally pretreated with 3% Tween-80 only as vehicle group, 3% Tween-80 as ulcer group, 20 mg/kg of omeprazole as positive group, 250 and 500 mg/kg of EENL as the test groups, respectively before ulcer induction. Gastric acid secretion parameters and ulcerated areas were evaluated. Results: Pretreatment with EENL showed significant (P < 0.05) reduction in gastric volume, total acidity and ulcer index while the pH of gastric content increased significantly (P < 0.05) in rats with ethanol-induced ulcer. Ulcer group exhibited significantly severe mucosal injury and EENL or omeprazole offered significant (P < 0.05) protection against gastric mucosal injuries. Conclusion: The study suggests that EENL attenuates gastric acid secretion and ulceration induced by ethanol in Wistar rat. The observed pharmacological activities might be mediated via antisecretory and cytoprotective mechanisms.