Gastro-protective effect of Ziziphus abyssinica root extracts in ethanol-induced acute ulcer in Wistar rats

Objective: To evaluate the gastro-protective effect of the aqueous, methanol and hexane root extracts of Ziziphus abyssinica on ethanol induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats as models. Methods: Seventy rats were divided into seven groups of ten rats each: control group, ulcer control group, standard control group (cimetidine 100 mg/kg body weight), aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extract groups. They were administered the extracts at 300 and 600 mg/kg for two weeks before ulcer was induced, and the protective effect of all extracts determined. Results: Histological changes in gastric tissue were evaluated. Pretreatment with Ziziphus abyssinica extracts showed significant (P < 0.05) gastro-protective effect with aqueous extract having the highest gastro-protective effect (95% and 93% at 300 and 600 mg/kg extract respectively). Methanol extract had 66.6% and 65.5% protection at 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively. The percentage protection in ethyl acetate extract treated group was 51% and 45% respectively. The group treated with hexane had 23.8% and 28.6% protection at 300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively. Histological study showed that pretreatment with aqueous extract resulted in the preservation of the functional cyto-architecture of the entire mucosa with little pathological changes, compared to other extracts. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that aqueous extract is effective against induced gastric ulcer.