ANTI-ULCER AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF NELUMBO NUCIFERA GAERTN STALKS IN RATS

Objective: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeceae) is a well known aquatic herb which has been extensively used traditionally for the treatment of different diseases. Therefore present study was designed to evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of methanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeceae) stalks. Methods: Anti-ulcer activity of methanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) were evaluated in rats using the pylorus ligation and indomethacin induced gastric ulcer models. Biochemical investigation of stomach tissues was also done to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera on oxidant and antioxidant parameters in stomach tissue. Results: Methanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera exhibit significant ulcer protection in the pylorus ligation and Indomethacin induced ulcer model in a dose dependent manner. The results suggested that the Nelumbo nucifera methanolic extract increased the resistance to necrotizing agents, providing a direct, protective effect on the gastric mucous due to their potent oxidant and antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The results obtained from the present study demonstrated that methanolic extract of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn stalks possesses significant anti-ulcer activity in addition to potent oxidant and antioxidant activity.