Evaluation of the Gastro-protective Potentials of Methanol Leaf Extract of Nymphaea lotus on Induced-Gastric Ulceration in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Nymphaea lotus is a plant used traditionally for the treatment of many ailments including gastric ulcer without any scientific validation of its pharmacological action and safety. This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible gastro-protective potential of methanol extract of N. lotus leaves on gastric ulcers induced by different ulcerogens.  Thirty rats (160-180 g) were divided into five groups: Group 1 was the normal control, group 2 was negative control, group 3 was administered 25 mg/kg Omeprazole (standard drug), groups 4, 5 and 6 were administered 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg methanol extract of N. lotus leaves, respectively. After two weeks of oral administration, gastric ulcer was induced in all the rats except group 1 using various ulcerogens such as 95% ethanol, indomethacin and hypothermic stress to access the gastro-protective potential of the extract. Phytochemical and anti-microbial analyses of the freshly prepared extract were carried out followed by histological studies of the gastric tissues. Nymphaea lotus leaves extract significantly (p<0.05) prevented peptic ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. The extract at 600 mg/kg showed a protective effect comparable to that of Omeprazole.  Microorganisms (Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) tested in this study were inhibited by the methanol extract. The above findings indicate that methanol extract of Nymphaea lotus leaves has gastro-protective activities.