Determination of antiulcer and antioxidant activities of the ethanol leaf extract of Uapaca staudtii Pax (Phyllanthaceae)

Abstract

The dried leaves of Uapaca staudtii Pax were extracted with 70% ethanol. The ethanol extract was subjected to phytochemical screening and partitioned to obtain n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions. The extract and the various solvent fractions were evaluated for anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities using ethanol, indomethacin and reserpine- induced ulcer models for anti-ulcer evaluation while DPPH assay and determination of total flavonoid content were used to study the antioxidant effects. The result of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins and terpenes. Result also showed that the extracts possessed significant antiulcer and antioxidant activities compared to prototype drugs. These observed activities may be attributed to chemical compounds present in them and the study therefore justifies it use in traditional medicine.