Evaluation of
Antiulcer Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Garcinia Gummi - Gutta Fruit
Srinivasan Raghu, Loganathan Janarthanan and Ramaswamy Saravanan
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(8); 167-180;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/208rjbt1670180; (2025)
Abstract
Gastric ulcer is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder caused by excessive gastric
acid secretion, impaired mucosal defense and Helicobacter pylori infection. Existing
pharmacological therapies such as proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists,
face challenges like resistance and adverse effects. Given the increasing need for
safer and more effective antiulcer agents, investigating plant-derived compounds
offers a promising alternative. The potential of plant extract in modulating gastric
acid secretion and enhancing mucosal defense mechanisms warrants systematic evaluation.
Garcinia gummi-gutta, a tropical fruit known for its medicinal properties, has shown
potential antiulcer activity. This study evaluates the ethanolic extract of Garcinia
gummi-gutta (EEG) fruit for its gastroprotective effects.
The study involved the EEG effect on enzyme inhibition assay evaluated by H⁺/K⁺-ATPase
activity. Various assessments including gastric pH, total acidity, gastric wall
mucus levels, histamine content in the gastric mucosa and gastric volume, were experimented
on ulcer-induced animal models across nine groups. The EEG extract demonstrated
potent enzyme inhibition, with inhibition rates increasing from 54.41% at 10 μg/mL
to 90.89% at 500 μg/mL, confirming its efficacy in reducing gastric acid secretion.
Animal studies revealed dose-dependent ulcer protection, with 500 μg/mL of EEG providing
appreciable ulcer prevention supporting histopathological studies. Lower doses (10-250
μg/mL) showed moderate effects. The findings suggested that EEG extract is a promising
natural alternative for ulcer management, warranting further clinical investigations
to explore its therapeutic potential.
