Antiulcer Activity of Hydroethanolic Root Extract and Solvent Fractions of Verbascum sinaiticum Benth. (Scrophulariaceae) in Rodent Models

Objectives Verbascum sinaiticum root is traditionally used in Ethiopia to treat peptic ulcers, but its efficacy and safety remain scientifically unverified. This study evaluated the anti-ulcer activity of its hydroethanolic root extract and identified the most active solvent fraction. Methods Roots were macerated in 80% ethanol. Acute oral toxicity was assessed per OECD Guideline 425. Anti-ulcer activity was evaluated using pylorus ligation-induced ulceration in Sprague-Dawley rats and indomethacin- and ethanol-induced ulceration in Swiss albino mice (both sexes), at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, with omeprazole (30 mg/kg) as positive control. Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). Bioactivity-guided fractionation was subsequently assessed in the indomethacin-induced ulcer model, with fraction activity ranked by percentage reduction in ulcer index relative to the negative control. Results Preliminary phytochemical screening of the crude extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, carbohydrates, and proteins. No mortality or toxicity occurred at 2000 mg/kg. In pylorus-ligation model, 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced gastric volume, free acidity, and total acidity and increased pH, yielding 45.81% and 74.49% protection, respectively, versus 77.51% for omeprazole. In the indomethacin model, these doses reduced ulcer number, score, and index (p < 0.001), with 43.51% and 71.51% protection, respectively. In the ethanol model, protection was 35.32% and 58.33% (p < 0.001), respectively. Fractionation identified the aqueous fraction as most active, providing 48.42% and 78.42% protection at 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively; ethyl acetate fraction was active only at 400 mg/kg, whereas the hexane fraction was inactive. Conclusion The hydroethanolic root extract of V. sinaiticum exhibited dose-dependent anti-ulcer activity across three models, with the aqueous fraction identified as most active. These findings support the plant’s traditional use and warrant further investigation into its active constituents and mechanisms of action.