Pharmacological evaluation, anti-oxidant and ant-ulcer activity of Uncaria tomentosa extract in experimental rats

The present study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological, antioxidant, and anti-ulcer activities of Uncaria tomentosa extracts using both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The plant material was extracted successively using petroleum ether and methanol via Soxhlet extraction. The methanolic extract exhibited a higher percentage yield (2.23%) compared to the petroleum ether extract (0.55%). Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and carbohydrates predominantly in the methanolic extract. Quantitative analysis showed significant levels of total phenolic content (61.7 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (16.25 mg RE/g). Antioxidant activity was confirmed through DPPH radical scavenging assay, with the methanolic extract demonstrating an IC₅₀ of 48.68 µg/mL, compared to 22.04 µg/mL for standard ascorbic acid.In vivo anti-ulcer studies in ethanol-induced ulcer models in rats revealed that Uncaria tomentosa extract at 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the ulcer index (3.001 ± 0.255), gastric juice volume (2.221 ± 1.006 mL), and free acidity (17.986 ± 1.470 mEq/L), while mildly increasing gastric pH (3.008 ± 0.650). These effects were comparable to the reference drug ranitidine. The findings validate the traditional use of Uncaria tomentosa and highlight its potential as a natural source for antioxidant and anti-ulcer therapies.