Ulcer protective effect of Leucas aspera in various experimental ulcer models

Abstract Objective To investigate the ulcer protective effect of Leucas aspera ( L. aspera ) aerial parts in various experimental ulcer models. Methods Aerial parts of L. aspera were collected and extracted with methanol (70% v/v). Preliminary phytochemical screening and toxicity evaluation of methanolic extract of L. aspera were performed. Ulcer protective effect of methanolic extract of L. aspera was checked using various in vivo experimental ulcer models (indomethacin plus restraint model, swimming induced stress ulcer, serotonin induced gastric ulcer, cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer, ethanol induced gastric ulcer). Antioxidant and histopathological studies of gastric mucosa were conducted in ethanol induced ulcer model. Results Methanolic extract of L. aspera did not show any toxic reactions in both acute and short term toxicity studies. Moreover, methanolic extract of L. aspera showed powerful antisecretory and ulcer protective effect in all the tested ulcer models. Results of antioxidant and histopathological studies further confirmed the ulcer protective effect of methanolic extract of L. aspera . Conclusion The present study justifies the folkloric use of L. aspera in various gastric disorders. Further studies should be conducted to find the mechanism of action.