Gastroprotective Effect of Tabernaemontana divaricata (Linn.) R.Br. Flower Methanolic Extract in Wistar Rats

Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br belonging to Apocynaceae family is traditionally used by people in many parts of the world to treat various disorders. The present study was undertaken to investigate anti-ulcer property of Tabernaemontana divaricata flower methanolic extract (TDFME 500 mg/kg, p.o) by pyloric ligation induced gastric ulceration model using Omeprazole (8mg/kg, p.o) as a standard drug in wistar rats. Five parameters i.e., volume of gastric juice, pH, free & total acidities and ulcer index were assessed. The test extract significantly (p< 0.01) decreased volume of gastric juice, free & total acidities and ulcer index. Like standard, it also raised pH of gastric acid. The observed percentage protection for standard and test were 89.84% and 79.53%, respectively. Thus, TDFME 500 mg/kg had a positive effect on all the parameters under study and the results were similar to that of standard. From the above results, it can be concluded that TDFME exhibits remarkable gastroprotective effect.