Introduction: The indigenous population of Nagaland has traditionally utilized the bark of Mahonia napaulensis as a remedy for gastrointestinal ailments; however, its therapeutic effectiveness has not been scientifically verified. The objective of the current investigation is to assess the efficacy of methanolic bark extract of M. napaulensis in promoting the healing of peptic ulcer.
Methods: The study involved the induction of ulcer in Swiss albino mice via the oral administration of a single dose of 80% ethanol (1 ml/100g body weight). The effect of methanolic bark extract of the plant on ethanol-induced peptic ulcer was studied using repeated dosing of 200 mg/kg body weight for ten and fourteen days, respectively. The standard drug utilized in the study was Ranitidine (30 mg/kg body weight). The assessment of ulcer healing activity was conducted through the evaluation of various parameters, including the ulcer index, healing percentage; gross macroscopic lesions, as well as histopathological and ultrastructural observations. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), protein, and sialic acid were quantified.
Result: The administration of plant extract resulted in significant improvement in ulcer healing and a notable elevation of biochemical parameters (GSH, protein, sialic acid). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy findings indicated that M. napaulensis exposure led to significant enhancement in stomach ulcer healing over time.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the oral consumption of methanolic bark extract of M. napaulensis has pro-healing efficacy on ulcerated mice. Thus, justifying the use of the plant as healing agent by the rural population.