Anti-ulcer actions of the bark methanol extract of Voacanga africana in different experimental ulcer models in rats

The antiulcerogenic effects of the bark methanol extract of Voacanga africana were studied using various experimental ulcer models in rats. The effects of the extract on the volume of gastric juice, gastric pH, acid output, mucus production and peptic activity were recorded, as well as the preventive action against lesions caused by HCl/ethanol and indomethacin. Oral administration of the extract (500-750 mg/kg) inhibited the formation of gastric lesions induced by HCl/ethanol (40-63% inhibition). The inhibitory effect against HCl/ethanol was significantly (P < 0.01) suppressed by pre-treatment of the rats with indomethacin (30 mg/kg, i.p.). The extract significantly reduced gastric lesion formation in pylorus ligated rats, but this was not associated with an increase in gastric mucus production or with a reduction in acid content, volume of gastric secretion or pepsin activity of the gastric juice. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.