Evaluation of antiulcer activity of emblica officinalis fruit extract in rats

The antiulcer activity of ethanolic extract of Emblica officinalis Fruit (EEEO) was investigated in pylorus ligation and ethanol induced ulcer models in experimental rats. In both models the common parameter determined was ulcer index. Ethanolic extract of Emblica officinalis fruit at a dose of 150 and 300mg/kg produced significant inhibition of the gastric lesions induced by pylorus ligation induced ulcer and ethanol induced gastric ulcer. The extract (150mg/kg and 300mg/kg) showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in gastric volume, free acidity and ulcer index as compared to control. This present study indicates that EEEO have potential anti-ulcer activity in both models. The findings of this study confirmed that EEEO has anti-ulcer pharmacologic activity due to one or more of the secondary metabolites present in it. Therefore, this study validates its anti-ulcer use in Ethiopian folk medicine. Further investigations on isolation of specific phytochemicals and elucidating mechanisms of action are needed.