Evaluation of the anti-ulcer properties of aqueous leaf extract of Dialium guineense (Velvet Tamarind) on experimentally induced ulcer models in rats

The aqueous leaf extract of Dialium guineense was investigated for anti- ulcerogenic effects using ethanol/HCI and indomethacin as the ulcerogens. The effect of the extract on gastric mucus secretion was also investigated. The extract was administered orally at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg for the experimental groups while the control and reference groups received distilled water (5ml/kg, p.o) and cimetidine (32 mg/kg, p.o) respectively. The results show that the extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the ulcer index from 4.75 ± 0.17 to 0.20 ± 0.12 and from 3.95 ± 0.19 to 0.14 ± 0.09 in the ethanol/HCI and indomethacin induced ulceration respectively. The extract also significantly (p < 0.05) increased the gastric mucus secretion. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponins. In conclusion this study has shown that the aqueous extract of D. guineense has anti-ulcer effects which might be due to its ability to increase gastric mucus secretion. The findings from this study also justify the folkloric uses of D. guineense for the treatment of gastric ulcer.