Research Article Study of anti ulcer activity of Ficus religiosa leaf extract on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rats

To investigate the gastroprotective activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Ficus religiosa (F. religiosa) in different experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats.The ethanolic leaf extract of F. religiosa were studied at two dose levels (250 and 500 mg/kg, oral) in rats against absolute cold stress induced ulcer and pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcer. Ranitidine (50 mg/kg, oral) was used as a standard drug. Mean ulcer indices and oxidative stress were measured. Phytochemical tests and acute toxicity tests were also carried out. Administration of F. religiosa to rats significantly decreased the ulcer index value when compared with the control treated group. Ranitidine (50 mg/kg, oral) also produced a significant decrease the ulcer index value when compared with the control treated group. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, sterols, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and proteins.The results suggest that the leaves of the F. religiosa possess sinificant anti ulcer activity.