Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies of Methanolic Extract of Gymnema sylvestre Leaves: An Approach for In Vivo Antiulcer Activity

Study was aimed to evaluate the possible antiulcer activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Gymnema sylvestre for its ability to inhibit gastric secretion and to protect gastro duodenal mucosa. G. sylvestre leaves were successively extracted with methanol and is subjected to phytochemical screening to identify different phytoconstituents. Ld50 studies were conducted up to the dose level of 2g/kg by following OECD guidelines. No mortality was observed with the extract up to the maximum dose level of 2g/kg. Anti-Ulcer activity was evaluated in various animal models like pylorus ligation, indomethacin an non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) and forced swim stress induced gastric ulcers in rats. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins, sterols, glycosides, alkaloids, resins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, proteins, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds in the extract of G. sylvestre. Further the Methanolic Extract of G. sylvestre (MEGS) at 400mg/kg p.o. significantly (P < 0.01) reduced ulcer index when compared with the methanolic extracts at 200mg/kg and 100mg/kg p.o in rats. Ranitidine (30mg/kg p.o.) was used as the reference drug. The present study revealed that the antiulcer activity of MEGS may be due to the presence of phytochemical constituents such as saponins, flavanoids, tannins, sterols, glycosides, alkaloids, resins, carbohydrates, proteins, triterpenoids as these phytochemical constituents were already reported for the above mentioned effects.