The anti-ulcer activities of leaf extracts of combretum racemosum (Family: combracaceae)

The Leaf extracts of Combretum racemosum has a high folkloric reputation as an ant-ulcer agent. We investigated the effects of the aqueous and hexane extracts of the leaf of the plant on three ulcer models induced in albino rats (wistar) and compared the protective value of the extracts given at a dose of 400mg/kg body weight of the animal with that produced by 100mg/kg (BW) of cimetidine. 3% Tween-85 served as the positive control drug. Hospital strains of 7 micro-organisms consisting of gram positive bacteria and fungi were challenged with 10mg/ml of the extracts. The zones of inhibition produced were compared with those produced by 5mg of Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin. The result showed high protective values against peptic ulcer by both extracts ranging from 47-64% using standardized ulcer index. This protection compared favourably with the protection produced by Cimetidine on the different ulcer models. The results of the antimicrobial activity investigation showed that the extracts have significant but varied levels of inhibition of the growth of cultures of S.aureus, S.typhi, B. subtilis and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. The potential anti-ulcer value of the extracts is enhanced by their antimicrobial activity on both gram negative and positive bacterial cultures. The results of the acute toxicity test indicate a potentially safe agent of a natural origin. The water and Hexane extracts of C. racemosum may yield a double action anti-ulcer ingredient(s). Keywords: Extracts, Combretum racemosum, antiulcer, antimicrobial activities Journal of Biomedical Investigation Vol. 4 (1) 2006: pp. 9-1