Abstract
Rinorea Subintegrifolia (íyókhẹ́zẹ), a shrub of the lowland rain forest is believed
to have antiulcer properties. Thus, this study evaluated the gastroprotective
effects of hydro-ethanol root extract of Rinorea Subintegrifolia (HRRS) in
Wistar rats. The gastroprotective effects of HRRS was studied in pyloric
ligature-induced and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models. Twenty-five male
Wistar rats were used for both models. In the pyloric ligature-induced gastric
ulcer model, fifteen Wistar rats were used and were randomly divided into three
groups, each comprising five rats. Group A received 5 ml/kg of normal saline
(control), Group B was pretreated with 30 mg/kg of Ranitidine, and Group C
received 250 mg/kg of HRRS pretreatment. The extracts were administered for
14 days, after which the animals underwent a 24-hour fasting period. Pyloric
ligation was then performed, and the stomachs were collected for gastric ulcer
evaluation while the stomach content was used to determine gastric juice
volume, gastric juice pH and total acidity. In the ethanol-induced ulcer model,
ten rats were divided into two groups of five rats each. Group A received
5 ml/kg of normal saline (control), while group B was given 250 mg/kg of
HRRS. Following 14 days of pretreatment, gastric ulcers were induced and the
stomachs excised for evaluation. Results of the qualitative analysis of HRRS
showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins and steroids.
The results showed that HRRS significantly reduced ulcer indices in pyloric
ligated ulcer model (3.80 vs 12.5) when compared with control (P<0.05). HRRS
significantly reduced gastric juice secretion (0.74 mL vs 1.26mL) and total
acidity (5.84mEq/L vs 12.33mEq/L) but pH of gastric juice was significantly
increased (4.82 vs 2.55) (P<0.05). Histological assessment showed that HRRS
protected against gastric ulceration when compared with control. In conclusion,
HRRS protect against gastric ulcers. Reduction in gastric juice secretion,
decreased total gastric acidity and increasing pH level are mechanisms
underlying the gastroprotection exhibited by HRRS.