Evaluation of Anti-Ulcer Potential of Methanolic Extract of Amaranthus viridis L. In Experimental Rats

The research focuses on the anti-ulcerogenic potential of Amaranthus viridis L. evaluated through ethanol induced ulcer in Wistar albino rats of both sexes using omeprazole 0.6mg/kg as standard drug. Animals were divided into five groups i.e., normal, control, standard, and experimental groups (I & II). The experimental groups were treated with plant extract of doses 10µg/kg and 50µg/kg, respectively. Different physical and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The extract showed a graded dose response as gastro-protective shield. Macroscopic assessment of gastric lining showed that extract reduced the severity score and the number of lesions. Results revealed that gastric juice volume and total acidity were also reduced as dose of extract increases. However, gastric pH increased with an increase in dose showing the neutralizing of acidic environment. Biochemical parameters including total protein content and mucus adherence to gastric wall showed the gastro-protective effect of the plant. The assessed parameters proved that methanol extract of Amaranthus viridis L. leaves may have anti-ulcer activity due to its antioxidant, anti-radical and anti-secretory mechanisms due to the presence of several secondary metabolites including tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, and triterpenoids.