Evaluation Of Anti-Ulcer Properties Of Methanol Extract Of Terminalia Superba Engl. & Diels (Combretaceae) Stem Bark

ABSTRACT

Terminalia superba Engl. & Diels (Combretaceae), is a member of the genus Terminalia that

comprises around 100 species distributed in tropical regions of the world. In Africa it is found

along the coast of west and central Africa. It has different uses in traditional medicine such as

antimalarial, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, and anti-hypertensive in the areas where it is found.

Most of these uses are yet to be scientifically investigated. The powdered stem bark of

Terminalia superba was extracted by maceration using methanol. The crude extract was

chromatographically fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Phytochemical

analysis was conducted on the crude methanol extract, n-hexane, methanol, and ethyl acetate

fractions using standard procedures. The LD50 of the crude methanol extract was determined

using Lorke’s method. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids,

saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, resins and reducing sugars. The crude

extract, the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions were investigated for anti-ulcer activity using

the ethanol, stress, and aspirin induction models. The parameters evaluated were ulcer index

and percentage protective index. The data was statistically analysed. There was significant

difference (p < 0.05) between the group treated with the crude extract and the control group.

The microscopy showed the presence features characteristic of a bark. The anti-ulcer

screening showed that the methanol extract of Terminalia superba possesses antiulcer

property and its use in traditional medicine for treatment of stomach ulcer is justified.