Phytochemical Investigation and Antiulcer Potential of Strychnos Nux vomica Seed Extract in Adult Wistar Rats

The current work sought to assess the possible anti-ulcer efficacy of Strychnos nux-vomica methanolic seed extracts in rats by conducting a thorough phytochemical analysis. This study aims to indicate and discover beneficial molecules present in the seeds with the potential for its medicinal use. This work aimed to determine the primary phytochemicals that have antiulcer properties while maintaining safe profiles at dosages that work. Strychnine is the main phytoconstituent, and it is present in 0.65 % of Nux vomica seeds and is responsible for gastric ulcer activity. When given in 0.05%, it shows therapeutic action. The methanolic seed extract's phytochemical screening identified alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides. Wistar rat models of ulceration produced by methanol were used to evaluate the anti-ulcer efficacy. Four groups of rats were used: control, ulcer-induced (indomethacin induced ulcer), conventional therapy (20 mg/kg omeprazole), and test treatment (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of S. nux-vomica methanolic extract). The outcomes showed that rats treated with S. nux-vomica extract had a significantly lower ulcer index than the control group (p < 0.01). In particular, the ulcer index dropped by 63% in the 100 mg/kg group, which was similar to the omeprazole therapy as a whole (p> 0.05). Reduced stomach mucosal injury was further confirmed by histopathological investigation in the groups who received extract treatment. The originality of this work consists in the safe therapeutic application of S. nux-vomica seeds, usually recognized for their poisonous qualities, in the treatment of stomach ulcers. The findings imply that the S. nux-vomica seed methanolic extract has strong antiulcer properties, providing a unique therapeutic option for ulcer treatment.