ABSTRACT

Humans often use plants to treat a wide range of illnesses, and they are also a major source of new pharmaceuticals. This study investigated the gastro-protective potential of aqueous and methanol extracts of Cajanus cajan leaves in ethanol induced gastric ulcer in Albino rats. Twenty-four rats weighed and divided into six groups (A-F) of four rats each were used for this study. Group A and B served as negative and positive controls respectively, all groups received an oral dose of 1mL/kg of 95% ethanol, either with or without a seven-day pre-treatment with the conventional medication (Omeprazole), or leaf extract (methanol and aqueous extract in low and high doses). The rats were euthanized, the stomach tissues removed, and the ulcers graded. Additionally, a histological analysis was done. The rats' stomach tissues were shown to be protected against ethanol-induced ulcers by Cajanus cajan leaf extract to varied degrees, as evidenced by the high dose (240 mg/kg) aqueous extract group, which had an ulcer prevention index (UPI) of 69%. The positive control group had a negative UPI signifying that the control drug did not afford any protection to the animals in the group. Results from histology likewise correlated with the calculated ulcer indices; rats that received C. cajan leaf extracts had notably fewer stomach epithelial cell lesions than those that did not receive the extract. In conclusion, aqueous leaf extract of Cajanus cajan at higher concentrations possesses gastro-protective potentials to prevent stomach ulcers caused by ethanol. Keywords: Gastro-protective, Cajanus cajan, Albino rats, ulceration, histology
Publication date: 01/11/2025

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/November/MS_IJBPAS_2025_9560.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.11.9560