Evaluation of Antiulcer Activity of Rhynchosia beddomei

Peptic ulcer disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder caused by an imbalance between aggressive factors such as gastric acid secretion and the protective mechanisms of the gastric mucosa. Stress plays a crucial role in the development of gastric ulcers by increasing acid secretion, reducing mucosal blood flow, and inducing oxidative damage. Although several synthetic antiulcer drugs are available, their prolonged use is often associated with adverse effects, which has led to increased interest in herbal medicines as safer alternatives. The present study was designed to evaluate the antiulcer activity of Rhynchosia beddomei using the cold- water immersion stress-induced ulcer model in Wistar albino rats. The plant material was extracted using the Soxhlet extraction method. The antiulcer activity of the extract was evaluated at two dose levels, 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, administered orally. Ranitidine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the standard drug. Animals were divided into five groups comprising normal control, stress control, standard-treated, and test-treated groups. Stress-induced ulcers were produced by subjecting the animals to cold water immersion. After the experimental procedure, gastric parameters such as gastric juice volume, pH, free acidity, total acidity, ulcer area, and percentage of ulcer protection were assessed. The extract of Rhynchosia beddomei showed a significant and dose-dependent reduction in gastric acidity and ulcer index, along with an increase in gastric pH when compared to the stress control group. The higher dose exhibited effects comparable to the standard drug. The observed antiulcer activity may be attributed to the presence of phytocomponents with antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. The results suggest that Rhynchosia beddomei possesses significant antiulcer potential and supports its use as a natural gastroprotective agent.