Anti-ulcer effect of rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn, by the method of pyloric ligation

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONPeptic ulcer is a multifactorial disease. Factors like increased stress, impaired mucosal resistance, genetic factors, infection with H. pylori and anti-inflammatory drugs including NSAIDs damage gastric mucosa. In the present study, Curcuma longa, a plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family was chosen for investigating its antiulcer property.Curcuma longa has an important place in the Indian household. It is considered auspicious in all religious observations in Indian households. It is a normal constituent of condiments and curry powders. Curcuma longa, which have a prominent place in Indian system of medicine, have attracted the interests of scientists and were subjected to extensive research.Constituents of Curcuma longa exert several protective effects on the gastrointestinal tract. A salt of curcumin, sodium curcuminate, was found to inhibit intestinal spasm, and p-tolymethylcarbinol, a turmeric component, was found capable of increasing gastrin, secretin, bicarbonate, and pancreatic enzyme secretion.1 . Curcuma powder has been reported to increase gastric wall mucus, in a study conducted by Rafathullah S and coworkers.2 Curcuma powder has been reported to increase the mucin content of gastric juice in rabbits. It may thus be beneficial in protecting the gastric mucosa from irritants.3 By the method of receptor combination, effects of the active constituents in Curcuma longa on gastrin receptor were studied by Xiao X and coworkers. 4 The results showed that Curcuma longa have antagonistic action on gastrin receptor. Mahady GB and coworkers found that methanol extract of Curcuma longa and curcumin inhibit growth of ABSTRACT Background: Substantial part of the world population has been known for a long time to suffer from peptic ulcer disease. In the present study, Curcuma longa, a plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family was chosen for investigating its antiulcer properties. Methods: The rhizomes of Curcuma longa were collected locally. The extract was prepared by soxhlet extraction with 50% ethanol. Albino rats of Wistar strain (120-200 grams) obtained from the animal house of medical college Thiruvananthapuram were used. Ranitidine was collected from Kerala Sate Drugs and Pharmaceutical LTD Alapuzha. Antiulcer study in rats were done using the method of pyloric ligation. Results: Antiulcer study in rats using the method of pyloric ligation, extract of Curcuma longa in 1000mg/Kg dose levels exhibited significant protection against shay ulceration. The results were comparable to that of standard drug Ranitidine. Conclusions:The present study with extract of Curcuma longa revealed that it has significant anti-ulcer activity.