ABSTRACT

Peptic ulcer is the most common disease affecting millions of people. It can be due to gastric hyper acidity and erosion of the stomach mucosa which can be caused by various factors. The phytochemical evaluation reveals the presence of flavonoids in the pulps and peel of Punica granatum. Literature survey discover that flavonoids are known to possess antioxidant and antiulcer property. Herbal medicine which have a medicinal property have become a target for current treatment. Punica granatum have been used from ancient and traditional approach for treatment of various diseases due to its antioxidant properties. The present study was conducted to determine the antiulcer property of Punica granatum against water immersion induced stress where the rats were left for three hours in a water container. Fourty two rats have been divided into seven groups which are normal saline, stress, omeprazole, pulp 250 mg/kg, pulp 500 mg/kg, peel 250 mg/kg and peel 500 mg/kg. Anti ulcer activity was evaluated by measuring the ulcer index, weight of stomach and protein content. The methanolic extract of Punica granatum significantly reduces the ulcer index when compared to stress group and furthermore, it also increases the weight of stomach and protein content. From our preliminary finding, methanolic extract of Punica granatum in peel 250 mg/kg has the most significant ulcer protection property. As a conclusion, Punica granatum is prominent antiulcer agents and this may be due to its antioxidant properties.