Ulcer Healing Effect Of Anti-Ulcer Agents: A Comparative Study

Gastric ulcer being the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder is considered as a major therapeutic target. Large numbers of drugs ranging from proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists to cytoprotective agents are being used for treatment of this disease. Purpose of the study: In the present study, we have made an attempt to compare the ulcer healing activity of four well known drugs, omeprazole, misoprostol, ranitidine and sucralfate which are known to act against ulcers through different routes. Celecoxib was used as negative control. Material and method: Ulcers were produced in Sprague-dawley rats by application of 40% acetic acid. Different drugs were given to ulcerated rats to check the effect of drugs on healing of ulcers. Further confirmation of extent of healing was done by histopathology of ulcerated stomach. Results: We found omeprazole being most effective drug followed by misoprostol, ranitidine, sucralfate while celecoxib delayed the normal ulcer healing. Omeprazole has reduced the ulcerated area to 2.0mm2 in comparison to controls of 19.5mm2, showing 89.74% healing in comparison to controls on 15th day. Conclusion: We conclude from the study that drugs which not only decrease the acid secretion but also increase cytoprotective activities are more effective in ulcer healing. The study provides further support to the fact that cyclooxygenase-2 iso-enzyme which induces prostaglandin synthesis plays a vital role in ulcer healing as depicted by delayed healing by celecoxib.