Heliotropium indicum has been established to possess gastroprotective properties. We evaluated the gastroprotective properties of the non-polar (n-hexane) fraction of H. indicum to establish its anti-ulcer activities. Rats of Groups I and II received physiological saline and 80 mg/kg/body weight (bw) of Indomethacin respectively. Rats of Groups III VI received orally 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw of the n hexane fraction of methanolic extracts of dried leaves of H. indicum and 50 mg/kg/bw of Ranitidine respectively before the induction of gastric ulceration. One hour after administration of extract doses and Ranitidine, 80 mg/kg/bw of Indomethacin (an ulcerogen) was administered orally to rats of Groups III VI. Morphological analyses show that administrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw of extract and Ranitidine resulted in percentage ulcer reductions of 45%, 50%, 75% and 95% respectively. Histological analyses of the stomach in rats of Groups II and III show erosion of mucus-secreting cells, parietal cells, gastric pit and glands. Erosion of few mucus-secreting cells, gastric pit and parietal cells were observed in rats of Group IV. Normal cytoarchitectures of the mucosa layer were observed in rats of Groups I, V and VI. Our findings show that the n-hexane fraction of H. indicum possessed gastroprotective properties.
Key words: Heliotropium indicum, Indomethacin, Ulceration.
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