Abstract

Background:
Peptic ulcers are characterized by gastrointestinal lining erosions that extend beyond the muscularis mucosae. Musa acuminata roots have been traditionally used in folk medicine for managing gastric ailments.

Aim:
To evaluate the antiulcer efficacy of an ethanolic root extract of M. acuminata by experimentally inducing ulcers in Wistar albino rats.

Methods:
Ulcers were induced using pyloric ligation and swim-stress methods. Rats received 200 or 400 mg/kg of the extract orally. Ulcer index, percentage inhibition, gastric volume, free acidity, and total acidity were assessed.

Results:
The extract significantly reduced ulcer indices at both doses (p < 0.05), with greater protection at 400 mg/kg, along with improved gastric parameters.

Conclusion:
Musa acuminata root extract exhibits gastroprotective activity likely mediated by cytoprotective effects and gastric acid secretion modulation, supporting its traditional use for peptic ulcer management.

Key words: Musa acuminata; Antiulcer activity; Gastroprotection; Pylorus ligation; Swim-stress-induced ulcer; Flavonoids.