Effect of Capparis Cartilaginea Leaves Extracts on Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Experimental Animals

Abstract

Background: Most parts of Capparis cartilaginea plant especially the leaves are used to treatment of many diseases such as skin inflammation, bruises, swellings, rheumatism, cough, indigestion, colics...etc. The leaves of C. cartilaginea are used traditionally in many areas of Yemen for heartburn/peptic ulcers, itching, shortness of breath and tumors.

Objective: To evaluate the potential anti-ulcer effect of C. cartilaginea leaves in experimental animals. Method: 15 male rabbits were divided into 5 groups. Each group contains 3 rabbits, Ulceration was induced in the groups II-V rabbits with indomethacin (40 mg/kg body weight, oral intubation) dissolved in distilled water, while group I was kept as a control and it was only given the vehicle oral dose of gum acacia in distilled water (2% w/w).

Results: The results showed that the leaves of C. cartilaginea have a significant effect (P<0.05) as anti-ulcer when compared to the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer group (Group II). It was found that seven days post-ulcerative treatment with the C. cartilaginea leaves extracts was optimal for the effective healing of gastric ulcer.

Conclusion: Through this study, we conclude that the extracts of C.cartilaginea leave have anti-ulcerogenic activity and they can be used to treat gastric ulcer.