Protective effects of the aqueous extract of Nymphaea lotus L. (Nymphaeaceae) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers

Effects of the aqueous extract of Nymphaea lotus were investigated on ethanol induced gastric lesions in rats. The extract (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05), dose dependently, protected the rat gastricmucosa against the necrotising effects of ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes, and had an oral LD50 of >5000 mg/kg. These resultsshows that aqueous extract of Nymphaea lotus contains active ingredients with a therapeutic potential against gastric ulcers, and thus authenticate the use of Nymphaea lotus as an antiulcer agent in traditional medicine.Keywords: Nymphaeae lotus, ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, gastroprotection