Abstract

The work embodied in this study is to evaluate the anti ulcer property of Neem leaf extract on aspirin induced gastric ulceration in albino mice. Ranitidine, the most widely used and common H2 blocker was taken. Ulcer induction was done by the administration of aspirin orally. This method was chosen because administrations of aspirin result in the production of gastric mucosal damage mainly in the glandular segment of the Albino mice stomach, which is analogous to the body of stomach in man. The freshly prepared aqueous solution of NLE administered in doses of 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg body weight produced dose dependent reduction in ulcer index against aspirin induced ulcers in different groups of mice. The doses of NLE were selected according to Garg, who have studied NLE against stress ulcers in mice. The reduction in ulcer index with NLE was statistically significant at 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight and highly significant protection was observed with 160 mg/kg of NLE. NLE in a dose of 160mg/kg is more effective than ranitidine (25mg/kg) as regards its anti ulcer activity. This study had also established that a low dose of NLE produced equally beneficial effect in reducing gastric ulcer. Thus from the above study it may be inferred that NLE possess a significant and definite ulcer protective action. It is also postulated that the ulcer protective action of NLE is due to inhibition of H+ K+ ATPase activity in concentration dependent manner. This ultimately leads to the rational and logical conclusion of the antiulcer properties of NLE.