Pharmacological effect of fruits of Annona muricata on peptic ulcer induced in Swiss albino mice

Ulcer, a skin disease affecting both the external and internal lining of the human body, comes in various forms, with peptic ulcers being among the most serious in the gastrointestinal tract. Traditional medications and plant-based alternatives are used for treatment due to their perceived lower side effects and cost. This project investigates the anti-ulcer properties of Soursop (Annona muricate extract) on the stomach of mice, focusing on peptic ulcers through microscopic analysis. Materials and Methods: A. muricata fruits were collected, dried, ground into powder, and extracted using methanol via cold maceration; the extract was concentrated, dried, and stored for use in animal experiments. Swiss albino mice were treated with varying doses of the extract following induced peptic ulcers, either via ethanol/HCl or indomethacin, with omeprazole as a reference drug. Ulcer severity was assessed by measuring the percentage of ulcerated stomach area in sacrificed animals after treatments, following standard protocols and ethical guidelines. The study showed that A. muricata extract significantly reduced ulcer indices in both ethanol and indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer models, with the highest reduction at 1500 mg/kg, followed by 900 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Histological analysis confirmed significant mucosal restoration at all doses of the extract, with the 1500 mg/kg dose showing the most effective healing. Overall, the methanol extract of A. muricata demonstrated anti-ulcer activity comparable to the standard drug, omeprazole, in both experimental models.