Raphia mambillensis (Raffia palm) seeds are traditionally used in South Western Nigeria to treat different ailments including gastrointestinal-related disorders. This research was conducted to assess the gastroprotective efficacy of Ethanolic Extract of Raphia mambillensis seeds (EERMS). Animals were pre-treated orally with different doses of EERMS and reference drug (ranitidine) for 5 days and then induced for gastric ulceration using indomethacin (10mg/kg body weight) for 3 days. Various parameters of gastric secretion were examined after the trial. EERMS (50mg and 100mg/kg b.w.) significantly (P < 0.05) ammeliorated the indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage as shown by the reduced ulcer index, gastric acidity, and volume of treated groups when compared with the untreated group. This is highly comparable with the group treated with the reference drug. The presence of a high concentration of Phenolics, Tannins, and antioxidant minerals may be attributed to the antiulcerogenic activity of EERMS. The results suggest that the EERMS confers protection on the gastric tissue against indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats.
Key words: Raphia mambillensis, ranitidine, mucosal damage, ulcer index, indomethacin
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