Antiulcer effect of Persea americana seed against alcohol-induced peptic ulcer in guinea pig

Abstract

Peptic ulcer is a widespread disease caused by a overproduction of hydrochloric acid stimulated by Helicobacter pylori and certain irritating substances like alcohol and antiinflamatory drugs. Modern anti-ulcer medicines are available, but poor communities often use accessible herbal remedies, including Persea americana. This study aimed to evaluate, in guinea pigs, the protective and curative effects of Persea americana seed extracts against HCl/ethanol-induced ulcers. The endpoints consisted of macroscopic and histopathological features translated in terms of antiulcer index, protection and healing percentages. Oral administrations of extracts 100 mg/kg one day before inducing ulcer protected 50% of exposed animals compared with 37.5% by omeprazole (20mg/kg) and 25% by ranitidine (50mg/kg); while, a 7-days treatment of induced ulcers healed 72.92% of animals, compared with 88.9% by the reference drugs. The extract contained alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, sterols/triterpenes, and reducing acids. The findings back the observations made by other researchers and support the use of avocado seeds.