EVALUATION OF NIGERIAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINES - II - EFFECTS OF SOME NIGERIAN FOLK REMEDIES ON PEPTIC-ULCER

Antiulcer activity of four medicinal plants, Diodia sarmentosa (whole plant), Cassia nigricans (leaves), Ficus exasperata (leaves) and Syncl isia scabrida (leaves), which are commonly used by the Nigerian tradit ional healers for the treatment of peptic ulcer were investigated. Acu te toxicity tests were also carried out. The results revealed that the four extracts possess significant anti-ulcerogenic properties in a do se-dependent way. They protected rats from aspirin-induced ulcerogenes is, delayed intestinal transit, increased the pH, and decreased both t he Volume and acidity of gastric secretion. These results correlate wi th local use of the plants. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.