Anti-Ulcerogenic Efficacy of Leaf Fractions of Argemone mexicana Against Indomethacin Induced-Ulceration in Rats

Abstract
Background and Objective: Peptic ulcer disease still remains a burden in under-developed and developing countries. Argemone mexicana is a plant locally used in folk medicine of Nigeria to treat peptic ulcer disease. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the anti-ulcer activity of solvent-partitioned fractions of Argemone mexicana leaves in indomethacin ulcerated rats. Materials and Methods: Dried leaves of A. mexicana were extracted with ethanol and the crude extract was subjected to solvent-partitioning using n-hexane, ethylacetate and butanol. Phytochemical screening of the partitioned fractions was carried out using standard methods. A total of 36 rats were randomized into six groups of six rats each. Group 1 serve as the control and received distilled water only, Group 2 serve as ulcerated group, Groups 3 serve as ulcerated group treated with 20 mg kg^-1 b.wt., Omeprazole while Groups 4-6 were ulcerated rats treated with 200 mg kg^-1 b.wt., of ethylacetate, butanol and n-hexane fractions respectively. The rats were ulcerated by single dose of indomethacin (25 mg kg^-1 b.wt.,) administered orally followed by treatment with the fractions. Ulcer indices, antioxidant enzymes status, levels of glutathione and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Results: The results revealed the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids only in ethylacteate and butanol fractions. A significant increase (p<0.05) in gastric acid, volume, malondialdehyde concentration, pepsin and H+/K+ ATPase activities was observed in the ulcerated rats. Significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in gastric mucus content, glycoprotein concentration and antioxidant activities in ulcerated rats. The ulcer indices were attenuated and the antioxidant status was improved in rats treated with 200 mg kg^-1 b.wt., of ethylacetate and butanol fractions. Conclusion: The ethylacetate fraction demonstrated a better efficacy which may be attributed to presence of flavonoids thus suggesting Argemone mexicana as an alternative therapy for treating ulcer.