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Effect of Methanolic Extract of Xylopia aethiopica Fruits on Cytoprotection in Cold Stress - Induced Gastric Ulcer in Albino Wistar Rats

AN Archibong, AO Obembe, CC Mfem, DE Ikpi, and VU Nna

Following the wide spread consumption of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica in Nigeria, this study seeks to examine the effects of the fruit on gastric ulcer. Twelve male albino wistar rats weighting 150 - 200 g were randomly assigned one of two groups (n = 6). After 7 days of acclimatization, the test group was administered methanolic extract of Xylopia aethiopica at a daily oral dose of 10 mg/100g body weight for 14 days. All animals had access to food and water ad libitum. Animals were sacrificed and gastric acid secretion, ulcer score and adherent mucus was determined using standard methods. Histamine, an acid secretagogue and cimetidine, a blocker were used to aggravate and reduce acid secretion respectively. The mean basal gastric acid output was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the test group compared with control. After administration of histamine, the mean gastric acid output was significantly (P<0.001) lower in the test group compared with control. There was no significant difference in gastric acid output in the different groups after cimetidine administration. The mean ulcer score was significantly (P<0.001) lower in the test group compared with control. The mean gastric mucus output was significantly (P<0.01) lower in the test group compared with control. Fruit extract of xylopia aethiopica may be beneficial in treating gastric ulcers, since it reduces gastric acid secretion and increases gastric mucous output.