The Anti-Ulcer Effect of Scent Leaf (Occimum Gratissimum) on the Stomach and Duodenal Lining of Ethanol- Induced Gastric Ulcer in Wistar Rats

Plants make an important contribution to health care. This is due to the recognition of the value of traditional medicinal systems. Occimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) is used in the coastal areas of Nigeria for the treatment of various ailments. This study was done to investigate the morphological effects of the aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum on the stomach and duodenal lining of ethanol induced gastric ulcer in adult Wistar rats as well as its effect on their weight. Twenty four (24) adult Wistar rats of average weight 255 g grouped into four (4) with six (6) rats per group were used for this study. Group A was the normal control, group B was the test control, group C and D were administered with l ml absolute ethanol to induce ulcer. Group C and D were then administered with 2.5mg/kg body weight per day of aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum through oral route for seven (7) and fourteen (14) days respectively. After each treatment period the rats were sacrificed and the stomach and duodenum excised and fixed in 10% formal saline. Thereafter, slides of histological sections were prepared. It was observed that aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum considerably reduced the degree of ulceration on both the stomach and duodenum and the findings were duration dependent. It also improved the weights of the animals.

Key Words: Occimum gratissimum, Gastric ulcer, Wistar rats