ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to provide a natural alternative in the treatment of ulcers. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of kolanone from Garcinia kola (bitter kola) on aspirin induced ulcer in albino rats. 20 albino rats, divided into five groups of four rats each group. The animals were acclimatized for 2 weeks and fasted for 24 hours. Animals were given feed and water ad libitum. Group 1 served as the control while 50mg/kg cimetidine was given to Group 2 rats. Group 3, 4 and 5 rats was treated with 15, 30 and 60mg/kg per body weight of the kolanone respectively. After 2 hours, ulcer was induced with 500mg Aspirin in Groups 2, 3,4 and 5. The weight of the rats was recorded before and at the end of the experiment using a weighing balance. Ulcer index was calculated according to standard method. Blood samples were collected from the dorsal aorta of the heart and the serum was used to analyze for TNF–α, MPO and IL1-β using standard ELISA kit. Stomach samples was also collected for histological analysis. Results showed that the best ulcer index 1.25 was recorded for rat exposed to 30mg/kg of extract as compared to the standard drug which was 5.75. In term of the biomarkers TNF alpha, MPO and IL1 beta, the standard drug had the lowest values 49.8pg/ml, 79.05U/mg, 67.32pg/ml respectively as compared with the control group. There was presence of necrotic erosion of the mucosa as seen as necrotic debris in the treatment groups. The study revealed that extract of Garcinia kolahas ulcer protective properties and is more effective than cimetidine, the standard drug used for the study.