EVALUATION OF ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ABUTILON INDICUM L. ROOTS.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by mucosal injury due to the action of gastric acid and pepsin. It most commonly affects the stomach and proximal duodenum, and is primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Clinical symptoms include epigastric pain (especially between meals or at night), relief after food or antacids, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In some cases, ulcers may also be observed in the distal duodenum, jejunum (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome), hiatal hernia (Cameron ulcers), or ectopic gastric mucosa such as Meckel’s diverticulum. This study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-ulcer potential of the ethanolic extract of Abutilon indicum roots using the following experimental models: 1. Pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model 2. Ethanol-induced ulcer model 3. Swim stress-induced ulcer model The anti-ulcer activity was assessed by measuring ulcer indices and evaluating the protective effect of the extract in comparison with control groups. The ethanolic extract of Abutilon indicum roots showed a statistically significant reduction in ulcer index in all three experimental models. The extract demonstrated notable protective effects against ulcer formation, indicating its potential anti-ulcer activity. The results of the study suggest that Abutilon indicum root extract possesses significant anti-ulcer properties and may be considered a promising natural therapeutic agent for the management of peptic ulcer disease. Keywords: Abutilon indicum, Anti-ulcer activity, Pylorus ligation, Ethanol-induced ulcer, Swim stress-induced ulcer, Peptic ulcer disease