Protective Role of Momordica charantia L. Seed Extract against Experimentally-induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats

Abstract

The present study evaluates the antiulcer and antisecretory activity of methanolic extract Momordica charantia L. seed (MEMCS) using pyloric ligation and stress-induced ulcer models in Wistar albino rats. A total of four groups, each comprising six rats, were used. Ulcers were induced through pyloric ligation, and stress ulcers were generated by subjecting the animals to continuous swimming for three hours. The test animals received MEMCS at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg for seven consecutive days, while ranitidine served as the reference standard. Key parameters, including acid volume, free acidity, and total acidity, were analyzed. The control group exhibited significant ulcer formation and increased gastric acid secretion. In contrast, pretreatment with MEMCS at 500 mg/kg demonstrated significant gastroprotective effects, reducing ulcer formation in both ulcer models. The pyloric ligation method revealed that MEMCS (500 mg/kg) inhibited gastric acid secretion by 68.28%, free acidity by 55.66%, and total acidity by 48.88%. These findings suggest that M. charantia possesses potent antiulcer and antisecretory properties, likely mediated through mucosal protective mechanisms and enhanced mucosal defense.