Pharmacological Effects of Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. Extract on Gastric Ulceration in Rats

Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. (TL), a medicinal plant renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, has attracted interest in its potential antiulcerogenic effects. Gastric ulcers, typically resulting from an imbalance between aggressive factors such as gastric acid and the protective defenses of the gastric mucosa, are frequently aggravated by inflammatory processes. This study aimed to investigate the anti-ulcerogenic potential of TL extract in animal models. Male Sprague Dawley rats were selected for the study. The anti-ulcerogenic effects were evaluated using four distinct in vivo models: ethanol/hydrochloric acid administration, restraint water immersion stress, indomethacin administration, and pylorus ligation. Administration of TL extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced gastric ulcer formation induced by ethanol/hydrochloric acid as well as restraint water immersion stress. At doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, the extract significantly reduced indomethacin-induced ulcer formation. Additionally, at a dose of 400 mg/kg, the extract significantly reduced both gastric secretion rate and total acidity in the pylorus ligation model. The findings of this study indicate that TL extract exhibits noteworthy anti-ulcerogenic activity in rats, suggesting its potential therapeutic value in treating gastric ulcers.