Assessment of Methanol Leaf Extract of Chromolaena Odorata for Protection Against Diclofenac-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

The leaf (juice, infusion and decoction) of Chromolaena odorata is used in Nigerian traditional medicine to promote healing of wounds. This study investigated its gastroprotective potential against diclofenac-induced ulcer in albino rats. About 500 g of dried and pulverized leaves of C. odorata was extracted with 90% hydromethanol (2.5 L) by cold maceration. The extract was tested at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg against diclofenac-induced gastric ulcer in albino rats. The same doses of the extract were also used on gastric ulcer induced by combining diclofenac administration and pyloric ligation of albino rats. The results showed significant reduction of ulcer lesions in the extract-treated rats, when compared with the control. However, treatment with the extract did not cause any significant difference in the volume of gastric content and stomach acidity of the treated rats when compared with the control. The gastroprotective activity of the extract in this study was mild, ranging from 2.5 –11.5% and compared less favourably to that of omeprazole (43.4 – 47.5%), which was used as the standard drug.