Abstract:
The antiulcer activity of chloroform leaf extract of Aspilia africana on necrotizing agent induced gastric ulcer and its effect on gastric motility were investigated using male albino Wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terprenoid, proteins and tannins. Acute toxicity test showed an oral LD₅₀ greater than 5000mg/Kg. The Animals were divided into four groups (A-D); groups A and B were given 250 and 500mg/Kg of the extract respectively, group C was given 200µg/Kg of misoprostol (positive control) while group D was given 5ml/Kg of 3% Tween 80 (negative control). Results showed that the different doses of the extract significantly protected the stomach from ulceration caused by necrotizing agent in a dose-dependent manner. The mean ulcer indices of groups A and B were 3.32 ± 1.52 and 2.90 ± 0.42 respectively while that of group C was 1.64 ±0.25. These values were all significant (p< 0.05, p<0.01) when compared that of group D (8.94± 1.10). Percentage ulcer inhibition of the misoprostol was higher than that of the extract. Gastrointestinal motility studies showed that the extract significantly inhibited motility but was not potent as atropine, whose percentage inhibition of motility twice that of the extract. Thus, Chloroform extract of Aspilia africana, demonstrated strong protection against gastric ulcer and moderate inhibition of gastrointestinal motility.

Keywords: Aspilia africana, Ulcer, Necrotizing Agent, Gastrointestinal Motility, Misoprostol, Atropine, Phytochemical Analysis, Acute Toxicity.