Evaluation of Antiulcer and Antioxidant Activity of Barleria gibsoni Dalz. Leaves

Background: Peptic ulcer is a digestive disorder most commonly found in clinical practice. Given the many side effects of modern medicine, the initial acquisition of fewer side effects, and medication of indigenous drugs, it should be considered as a better alternative for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Objective: To assess antiulcer and antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Barleria gibsoni (EBG) Dalz. leaves in ulcer‑induced rats and in vitro antioxidants method, respectively. Materials and Methods: Ethanol EBG was screened for antiulcer activity in pylorus ligation‑induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. In vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested using 2,2‑diphenyl‑1‑picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity. Total phenol and flavonoid content in the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. Results: Oral administration of ethanol extract of leaves at doses of 250, 500 mg/kg p.o. reduced significant gastric lesions induced by pylorus ligation‑induced ulcer as compared to standard omeprazole (20 mg/kg p.o.). The IC₅₀ values were found to be 150 μg/mL in leaves extract. The ethanol extracts showed good antioxidant capacity in DPPH radical scavenging assay and NO radical scavenging activity when compared to standard. The total phenolic content using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent estimated in 1 mg of leaves extracts was 368 μg and 481 μg with gallic acid equivalent and also the total flavonoid content found to be 240 and 410 μg, respectively, with quercetin equivalence. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the leaves of B. gibsoni possessed antiulcer potential and antioxidant compared to standard. This is the first ever report of antiulcer and antioxidant activities in B. gibsoni (Acanthaceae).