Antiulcer and Antihyperlipidaemic Efficacy of Catharanthus roseus Leaves on pylorus ligation induced Ulcer in Experimental Animals

The present study was undertaken to scientifically validate the antiulcer and antihyperlipidaemic activity of leaves of Catharanthus roseus against pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer in experimental animals. The methanol extract of leaves were prepared, and phytochemical analysis of extract were performed. The antiulcer activity as seen by the area of gastric volume, free acidity, total acidity, pH, percentage of ulcer protection and ulcer index were estimated. The antihyperlipidaemic activity with following parameters cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TGL), low density lipoprotein (VLDL), Cholesterol/HDL and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were also evaluated. The phytochemical analysis of methanol extract of leaves of Catharanthus roseus demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides and saponin. The extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) and standard drug treated animals significantly decreased the gastric volume, total acidity, free acidity and ulcer index; and  pH of the gastric juice was significantly increased compared to ulcer control group. The extract and standard drug treated rats significantly decreased in TGL, total cholesterol, VLDL, Cholesterol/HDL and LDL, and increased HDL compared to ulcer induced control group rats. The above finding suggests the antiulcer and antihyperlipidaemic activity of Catharanthus roseus extracts.