GASTRO-PROTECTIVE AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF Commiphora africana GUM RESIN (MYRRH)

Abstract

The gastro-protective and antioxidant effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Commiphora africana gum resin (Myrrh) was determined in indomethacin (25mg/kg body weight) induced gastric damage Albino rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening of these extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenes, saponins, alkaloids and reducing sugars. Acute toxicity study revealed that the extracts is safe up to 5000mg/kg body weight. Lesion in the stomach tissues of experimental rats pretreated with both extracts significantly (P<0.05) reduced. At doses of 250 and 500mg/kg body weight of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts the preventive index of (47.8, 53.1) % and (61.3, 74.3) % respectively as compared to 65.2% for positive control ranitidine. Highest gastro-protective effect 74.3% was shown by the ethanolic extract at a dose of 500mg/kg body weight. The Superoxide dismutase and Catalase activities were elevated with a significant decrease(P<0.05) in Malondialdehyde levels upon administration of both extracts at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight in serum and stomach tissues of experimental animals, with the ethanolic extract been more effective at 500mg/kg body weight. In vitro antioxidant activity of both extracts via linoleic acid peroxidation assay revealed the inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation by 57.4% and 64.9% respectively compared to the positive control (Ascorbic acid) with 54.1%. This research suggests that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Commiphora africana gum resin possess potent gastro-protective and antioxidant activities and could be developed into a drug for ulcer patients.