Effect of Melia Azedarach Fruits on Gipsing-Restraint Stress-Induced Ulcers in Rats

Abstract

A study was undertaken on the antiulcer effect of some active ingredients present in the lipid part of the fruits of M. azedarach administered p.o. to male rats. Acute gastric ulcers were induced by gipsing the rats for 22 hr preceded by 24 hr starvation to obtain the maximum stress. The free HCI, total HCI and total acidity were also measured. The total lipid (TLP), 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg, reduced the ulcer index by 25-41.8% and 50-58% when given daily for 5 and 10 days, respectively. The saponifiable fraction (SP), 0.85, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg, given for 10 days reduced the ulcer index by 41.8-50%, while the nonsaponifiable (NSP), 0.075, 0.150 and 0.50 g/kg, for 10 days reduced it by 50-83.5%. The 70% ethanol extract of the defatted residue showed no antiulcer effect. Analysis of the gastric juice showed a significant decrease in free HCI (P<0.001) induced by TLP; the total HCI and total acidity were reduced only at 5 g/kg. The results revealed the antiulcer effect of the lipid components of M. azedarach fruits which is mainly due to the phytosterol fraction.