Biochemical Studies on the Anti-ulcerogenic Potential of Cardiospermum Halicacabum L. Seeds

Cardiospermum halicacabum L. var. microcarpum (Kunth) Blume and var. luridum (Blume) Adelb. (Sapindaceae) are used for various ailments in Indian traditional medicines. The present study evaluated the antiulcerogenic property of seed oils (Petroleum ether extracts) in animal model. Ethanol induced gastric ulcers was used for this study and analysed for gastric volume, ulcer score pH, free and total acidity and sodium and potassium ions. Bio-chemical estimations like total proteins, total hexoses, hexosamine, fucose, sialic acid and protein were also made. Ulcer score was calculated for the same model. Oils were found to be more effective and exhibit concentration dependent anti-ulcer property. INTRODUCTION: Gastric ulcer is a common disorder where discontinuity in the gastric mucosa is observed. The conventional treatment of ulcer comprises of regular feeds and adequate rest, antacid, various drugs and avoidance of ulcerogenic agents such as coffee, alcohol and tobacco. The drugs used in the treatment of ulcer include receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, drugs affecting the mucosal barrier and act on the central nervous system . Eventhough a range of drugs and available for the treatment of ulcer, many of these do not fulfill all the requirements and side effects such as arrhythmias, impotence and hematopoietic changes are noted 2 & . Cardiospermum halicacabum L. is an herbaceous climber found throughout the plains of India. This plant commonly known as “Kanphuti” is used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, lumbago, earache and fever . In Unani literature, the seeds are used as anticancerous . The seed oil has been analysed for its fatty acid composition . The antiinflammatory activity of ethanol extract has been shown against carrageenin induced rat paw oedema . Previous studies the remarkable antiulcerogenic activity of ethanol extract 200600mg/kg of this plant against ethanol induced ulcers in rats . The reported chemicals of the plant contains tannins, saponins and traces of alkaloids . It is known the ethanol is among many factors increasing risk of gastric ulcer formation due to stress. Ethanol is widely used to induce experimental gastric ulcer in animals .