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 Synclisia scabrida (leaves), which are commonly used by the Nigerian traditional healers for the treatment of peptic ulcer were investigated. Acute toxicity tests were also carried out. The results revealed that the four extracts possess significant anti-ulcerogenic properties in a dose-dependent way. They protected rats from aspirin-induced ulcerogenesis, delayed intestinal transit, increased the pH, and decreased both the Volume and acidity of gastric secretion. These results correlate with local use of the plants. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.