Antiulcer and antimicrobial activity of Anogeissus latifolia

Ethnobotanically, the bark of Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. ex. DC.) Wall. ex Guill. & Perr.(Combretaceae) has been reported to be used in the treatment of various disorders including stomach and skin diseases. We studied the antiulcer potential and antimicrobial activity of the 50% aqueous alcoholic extract in order to validate ethnobotanical claims regarding the plant use in the above-mentioned disorders. Gastroprotective potential of the Anogeissus latifolia extract (ALE) (100 and 200 mg/kg/body weight) was studied on aspirin, cold-resistant stress (CRS), pylorus ligated (PL) and ethanol-induced ulcers. Status of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase along with lipid peroxidation (LPO) was also studied in CRS-induced ulcers. The results of the present study showed for the first time that the ALE possessed gastroprotective activity as evidenced by its significant inhibition in the formation of ulcers induced by physical and chemical agents with a maximum of 84.16% curation (200 mg/kg body weight) in CRS-induced ulcers. ALE decreased LPO and SOD with concomitant increase in catalase activity in CRS-induced ulcers. Moderate antibacterial activity and antifungal activity was also observed. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) showed the presence of gallic acid and ellagic acid (0.95%, w/w, 0.25%, w/w, respectively) in the plant. These findings could justify, at least partially, the inclusion of this plant in the management of gastric disorders in traditional medicine. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.