Antiulcer and Antioxidant Potential of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Leaves Methanol Extract in Albino Rats

Aim: This research is aimed at assessing the antiulcer and antioxidant potential of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves methanol extract in albino rats.

Methodology: Fresh leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis were harvested from the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero. The dried pulverized leaves were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with methanol as the solvent. Thirty male albino rats weighing between 200 g and 250 g were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. Antiulcer and antioxidant activity was evaluated using ethanol-induced ulcer model. Ulcer was induced in all groups except Group 1 which served as the control and received distilled water only. Group 2 was not treated while Group 3 was treated with omeprazole (50mg/kg). Groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg of the extract respectively. After seven days of treatment, the albino rats were humanely sacrificed, ulcer index determined and the serum assessed for antioxidants levels.

Results: The gastric mucosal lesions produced in the untreated group were very visible and had an ulcer index of 12.83. Pre-treatment with omeprazole and graded doses of the extract showed significant reductions (P<.05) in ulcer index in a dose dependent manner. The SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH and MDA levels were significantly reduced (P<.05) in the untreated group with progressive reduction in the treated groups as the extract concentration reduced. The antioxidant vitamins (Vitamin A, C and E) reduced in concentration significantly (P<.05) without any significant difference between the untreated group and the groups that received 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of the extract. Meanwhile, the group treated with 800mg/kg of the extract significantly increased (P<.05) the concentrations of these vitamins when compared to the group that received ethanol only.

Conclusion: Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves methanol extract possesses both antiulcer and antioxidant activity. This justifies the use of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves in traditional medicine in the management of ulcer and validates its antiulcer potential.