ANTI ULCER PROPERTIES OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF AMARANTHUS HYBRIDUS LEAVES IN WISTAR RATS

This study examined the anti ulcer properties of ethanol extract of Amaranthus hybridus leaves on Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and alcohol induced gastric ulcer in rat models. Ethanolic nitrate extracts from Amaranthus hybridus leaves were administered orally at different doses (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 mg/kg) for a week in different doses. Diclofenac oral dose of 30 mg/kg diclofenac (an NSAID) and 80% alcohol induced ulcers. This effect was compared using 20 mg/kg cimetidine as positive standard and 2 ml/kg normal saline as control. This study found that Amaranthus hybridus leaves extract at the doses of 100 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg significantly protected albino rats against diclofenac and alcohol induced gastric ulcer. Comparing the ulcer protection percentage with a standard drug (Cimetidine), it was found that the Amaranthus hybridus leave extract protected at 34% while Cimetidine protected at 80%. It was concluded that Amaranthus hybrids, a dietary nitrate protects against diclofenac-induced gastric ulcers likely through the conversion of nitrates to nitrites by the activity of bacteria in the oral cavity and stomach.