Anti Gastric Ulcer Activity of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. Leaves in Aspirin Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats and the Underlying Mechanism

Problems: Search for new drugs of gastric ulcer. Experimental approach: Anti gastric ulcer activity of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. in aspirin induced gastric ulcers was studied in rats. Findings: Results showed that Amaranthus spinosus Linn. leaves significantly reduced ulcer index induced by aspirin. The plant leaves produced gastric anti secretory effect by decreasing gastric volume and acidity. Elevated level of gastric pepsin during aspirin induced ulcers was found lowered by the leaves indicating its involvement in offensive mechanism in production of gastric ulcer. Leaves further increased gastric mucin which showed its gastric cytoprotective effect. The plant leaves prevented loss of gastric protein, DNA and the increased lipid peroxidation during ulceration by aspirin. Activities of the anti oxidant enzymes were enhanced during ulceration by this plant leaves. Results were comparable to that of ranitidine, a standard anti ulcer drug. Conclusion: Anti ulcerogenic activity of Amaranthus spinosus Linn. leaves was mediated through anti oxidant defense mechanism.