Gastroprotective and Antiulcer Potential of Aerial Part Extract of Gaertnera Phanerophlebia Baker (Rubiaceae)

Gastric ulcers are a growing public health problem worldwide. It is crucial to find new anti-ulcerogenic substances that have few or no side effects. Medicinal plants are a primary source of therapeutic potential for treating gastric ulcers. However, available data show that consuming plant products can significantly alter the body. Therefore, an acute toxicity study was conducted on the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of G. phanerophlebia before testing its anti-ulcer activity. The results showed no signs of toxicity or mortality in mice tested at a maximum oral dose of 5,000 mg/kg. According to the toxicity scale, this aqueous extract is considered to have the lowest toxicity and is classified as safe for the human body. Anti- ulcer tests carried out in vivo using the stress-induced ulcer method demonstrated the extract’s dose-dependent gastroprotective and healing capacity on the gastric mucosa. Compared to omeprazole (100 mg/kg) and the ulcerated control group, the aqueous extract (300 mg/kg) exhibited significant gastroprotective and curative effects. The reduction in ulcer index associated with increased gastric pH observed in groups treated with 100-300 mg/kg doses of the aqueous extract indicates that G. phanerophlebia possesses antiulcer, gastroprotective, and gastric mucosal healing properties. Additionally, recently identified phytoconstituents highlight potential bioactive compounds related to its pharmacological effects. G. phanerophlebia extract is a promising natural therapeutic approach for preventing and treating gastic ulcers.