Authors : Victoria Nonyelum Umeh, Peter Achunike Akah and Martha Nneoma Oforkansi
Abstract: The seed extract of Persea americana has been used to treat peptic ulcer disease in folkloric medicine but its efficacy has not been validated. The present study was carried out to evaluate the ulcer-protective effects of the seed aqueous extract and its n-hexane and water fractions using rats ulcer models: dried and milled seeds of P. americana were soaked in distilled water for 24 h, filtered and freeze dried. The Aqueous Extract (ASEPA) was fractionated with n-hexane and residue was the water fraction. Acute toxicity study (LD50) and phytochemical screening were carried out on the extract and fractions. The ulcer-protective effects of ASEPA and fractions were tested on ulcer models induced by ethanol, aspirin, stress and pyloric ligation. Cimetidine and distilled water served as the standard drug and negative control, respectively. Outcome measures were ulcer index, percentage ulcer-protection, gastric acid volume, pH, free acidity and total acidity. The effect of ASEPA and fractions on isolated tissue preparation was studied using segments of guinea pig the ileum. The oral median Lethal Dose (LD50) of the extract was >5000 mg kg–1. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, reducing sugars and saponins. ASEPA and fractions conferred dose-related ulcer-protection on the ulcer models used. ASEPA and fractions displayed a non-dose dependent and non specific spasmolytic effect. P. americana seed extract displays excellent properties that are beneficial in the treatment of peptic ulcer.
Victoria Nonyelum Umeh, Peter Achunike Akah and Martha Nneoma Oforkansi, 2020. Potentials of Persea americana Mill (Avocado) (Lauraceae) Seeds as Ulcer Protective Agent. Research Journal of Pharmacology, 14: 1-11.