Phytochemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Manilkara Zapota Roots Extracts for Anti-Ulcer Activity

The present study evaluated the pharmacognostic, phytochemical, antioxidant, and anti-ulcer potential of Manilkara zapota root extracts to validate its traditional medicinal use. The plant material was authenticated and subjected to physicochemical standardization, confirming its purity and quality. Successive extraction revealed higher extractive values in methanol (23%) and acetone (21%), indicating the presence of polar bioactive compounds. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, and tannins. Quantitative analysis demonstrated higher total phenolic content in the acetone extract (42.50 ± 0.85 mg GAE/g) and higher flavonoid content in the methanol extract (46.25± 0.78 mg rutin/g). Antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH assay exhibited significant, concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity, comparable to standard antioxidants. The anti-ulcer activity was evaluated using an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in Wistar rats. The acetone extract showed significant gastroprotectiveactivity with a marked reduction in ulcer index, comparable to ranitidine, while the methanol extract showed moderate effects. Both extracts increased gastric pH and reduced total acidity, indicating antisecretory and cytoprotective mechanisms. In conclusion, Manilkara zapota root extracts, particularly the acetone extract, possess significant Anti-ulcer and antioxidant activity, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. Further studies are required to isolate active constituents and confirm clinical efficacy.