Abstract

Objective: To investigate antiulcerogenic potentials of the crude extracts of Vitex doniana against ethanol induced gastric ulcer. Methods: Twenty four rats divided into 6 groups (I–VI) of 4 animals each were used. The animals were fasted for 24 h at the end of which Group I received a single dose of 10 mL/kg of saline; Group II received a single dose of 100 mg/kg cimetidine intramuscularly; Groups III and IV received single doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight of the methanol extract while Groups V and VI received 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract respectively. After 30 min, each animal received 1 mL/kg body weight of absolute ethanol orally and was sacrificed 1 h later under chloroform anesthesia. The animals’ stomachs were excised and the ulcers were counted and scored with the aid of a magnifying lens (×10). The mean ulcer index and ulcer preventive index were calculated for each group. Results: A statistically significant decrease (P < 0.05) in mean ulcer index was observed in Groups II, IV and V compared to that of control Group I. Calculated percentage ulcer preventive index showed a 97%, 53%, 82%, 82% and 22% percentage preventive index for Groups II, II, IV, IV and VI respectively. Conclusions: Crude extracts of Vitex doniana possess antiulcer properties against ethanol induced gastric ulcers.

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