Gastroprotective effects of Bauhinia purpurea, Dolichos lablab and Vitex parviflora

Abstract

Peptic ulcer is a chronic and recurrent disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Ulcerations can be brought about by inadequate dietetic habits leading to diminished mucosal resistance, increased acid secretion, or infection by Helicobacter pylori. Methanolic extracts from the leaves of Bauhinia purpurea, Dolichos lablab and Vitex parviflora were evaluated for their efficacy as an antiulcer agent in ethanol and aspirin-induced models in mice. All three plant extracts significantly reduced the number of ulcerations in both models of ulcer. Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds and saponins were also found in the extracts and their bioactivity could be attributed to the presence of these secondary metabolites.