Anti-ulcer Properties of Ziziphus jujuba Lam Leaves Extract in Rats

Objective: To evaluate the antiulcer activity of Ziziphus jujuba leaves extract (ZJE) at various doses using different experimentally induced gastric ulcer models in rats. Methods: Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by Pylorus ligation, 80% ethanol (1ml/rat) and aspirin (200mg/kg). In pylorus ligation induced ulcer model the parameters studied were gastric volume, free acidity, total acidity and ulcer index. Lesion index and gastric mucus content were determined in ethanol induced ulcer model and in aspirin induced ulcer model the ulcer index was determined. Results: In pylorus ligation model, ZJE pretreatment caused significant reduction in gastric volume, free acidity, total acidity and ulcer index as compared to control group. In ethanol-induced ulcers, ZJE was effective in reducing lesion index and increasing the gastric mucus content. It was also effective in decreasing ulcer index in aspirin-induced ulcers. All the results obtained with ZJE were dose dependent. Conclusions: The results suggest that ZJE possesses significant and dose dependent antiulcer activity. The antiulcer activity of ZJE can be attributed to its cytoprotective and antisecretory action.