Antiulcer Activity of Stem Extract of Telfairia Occidentalis in Rodents

The vegetable, Telfairia occidentalis Hook (Cucurbitaceae), is useful in Ibibio traditional medicine system for the treatment of various types of diseases such as malaria and gastrointestinal disorders. Antiulcerogenic activity of the stem extract was evaluated against ulcers experimentally-induced in rats. Three doses (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) of the stem extract of Telfairia occidentalis were used to investigate the antiulcer activity in three experimental models; indomethacin, ethanol and histamine-induced ulcers. The animals weighing 130-155 g were fasted overnight before being randomized into different experimental groups and treated with extract and ulcerogens. In each model, the animals were sacrificed after the required period of time and their stomachs removed and examined for ulcerations. Ulcers scores were awarded and preventive ratio calculated accordingly. The results showed that the stem extract (200-600 mg/kg) exerted dose-dependent and significant (p<0.05-0.001) antiulcer potential against ulcers induced by indomethacin, ethanol and histamine. These findings show that the stem extract of Telfairia occidentalis exhibited antiulcer property which is traceable to the actions of the phytoconstituents and thus a useful remedy for ulcers.