Protective effect of Tinospora cordifolia on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rats

Objectives: To study the possible antiulcer effects of alcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia in different animal models of ulcers. Methods and materials: The alcoholic extract of the whole plant was prepared and tested for antiulcer activity at the dose of 400 mg/Kg PO in pyloric ligation, ibuprofen and cold restraint induced gastric ulcer models. The effect of the extract was compared with famotidine (3.6mg Kg PO). Besides, the effect was also compared with misoprostal (7.2 μg/kg PO) in case of ibuprofen induced ulcer model. The antiulcer effects of the drugs were assessed on the parameters such as number, size and index of ulcers and the volume, acidity, and pH of gastric juice. Result: The extract of Tinospora cordifolia, famotidine and misoprostol significantly (p<0.05) reduced ulcer index in the models employed. While the antiulcer effect of the extract was comparable to that of the standard drugs in ibuprofen and stress induced ulcer models, its effect was significantly (p<0.05) lesser than that of famotidine in pyloric ligation method. Conclusion: Tinospora cordifolia possesses gastric ulcer protective principles.