Gastroprotective activity of Ruellia tuberosa root extract in rats

Abstract

Ruellia tuberosa Linn. (Acanthaceae) roots are claimed to possess gastroprotective activity according to some Sri Lankan traditional medical practitioners although this has not been indicated in Ayurveda or folk medicine or confirmed by scientific experimentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate gastroprotective potential of R.tuberosa roots using a crude aqueous extract (470, 940, 1880 mg / kg) and using rat alcohol induced gastric lesion model. Results showed a strong and dose-dependent gastroprotective activity (in terms of reduction in length of haemorrhagic gastric lesions). The extract also had a mild erythropoietic and moderate analgesic activities and was well tolerated even with subchronic treatment. It is concluded that the data provided scientific evidence to support the claim that R.tuberosa root extracts have gastroprotective activity.