Inhibition of experimental gastric lesion and inflammation by Phyllanthus amarus extract

Methanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus Shum & Thonn (Euphorbiaceae) 50, 200, and 1000 mg/kg body weight significantly inhibited gastric lesions. induced by intragastric administration of absolute ethanol (8 ml/kg). Mortality, increased stomach weight, ulcer index, and intraluminal bleeding were reduced significantly by Phyllanthus amarus. Biochemical analysis indicated that reduced glutathione (GSH) of gastric mucosa produced by ethanol administration was significantly elevated by treatment with Phyllanthus amarus extract. Aqueous and methanol extracts of Phyllanthus amarus produced an inhibition of rat paw edema up to 42% compared to control in 3 h and continued up to 8 h. Anti-oxidant activity of the extract as well as presence of tannins in the extract may be responsible for these observed activities. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.