Gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. in Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat peptic ulcer. Aim of the study: To evaluate the gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activity of Cedrus deodara. Materials and methods: The volatile oil extracted by steam distillation of Cedrus deodara wood was examined for its gastric antisecretory and antiulcer effect in the pylorus-ligated rat model and ethanol induced gastric lesions in rats. Results: The volatile oil showed significant antisecretory activity as evidenced by decreased gastric fluid volume, total acidity, free acidity and increase in the pH of the gastric fluid in pylorus-ligated rats. Our studies also revealed that pretreatment with Cedrus deodara significantly reduced the number of ulcer, ulcer score and ulcer index in pylorus-ligated and ethanol treated rats. The antiulcer activity of Cedrus deodara is further supported by histopathological study which showed protection of mucosal layer from ulceration and inflammation. Conclusion: The present findings conclude that volatile oil of Cedrus deodara wood has potent antisecretory and antiulcer effects and justify the traditional usage of this herb to treat peptic ulcers. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.