Antiulcer activity of a siddha drug-ripe fruit Musa paradisiaca bhasma
was studied in rats in which gastric ulcers were induced by oral administration of ethanol
(80%) in acute model and by 0.5ml of 100% acetic acid on anterior serosa surface in
chronic model. The bhasma was administered in the dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg orally 1 hour
prior to ulcer induction in acute model and administered daily for period of 10 days in
chronic model. The antiulcer activity was assessed by determining and comparing the
ulcer index, mucin content, non-protein sulfhydryl group in the test group with that of
vehicle as control group. Antioxidant studies like catalase, superoxidase dismutase, lipid
peroxidation were also estimated. Sucralfate was used as a reference drug. The ulcer index
of the Musa paradisiaca bhasma treated animals was found to be significantly less in
both the models compared to vehicle control animals. The antiulcer property was more
prominent in animals in which ulcers were induced by ethanol and acetic acid. The
antiulcer activity of Musa paradisiaca bhasma was however, less than that of sucralfate.
Our results suggest that Musa paradisiaca bhasma possess significant antiulcer property
which could either due to cytoprotective action of the drug or by strengthening of gastric
and duodenal mucosa and thus enhancing mucosal defence.
Key words: Musa paradisiaca bhasma, Ethanol, Acetic acid, Gastro protective effect,Antioxidants, Siddha system of medicine
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