| Abstract: | Aqueous extracts of six plant species used in Cameroonian ethnomedicine for the relief of stomach complaints were tested for antiulcer activity. An HCl/EtOH solution was used to induce gastric lesions in male Wistar rats (140–190 g). The extracts of Voacanga africana, Eremomastax speciosa, Emilia praetermissa, Spilanthes filicaulis and Centella asiatica produced complete mucosal cytoprotection at a dose of 1000, 190, 500, 2000 and 500 mg/kg respectively. The extract of Clerodendrum splendens (500, 750, 1000 mg/kg) showed significant (p <0.01) dose-dependent cytoprotection (50%–75%) compared with the controls. A combination of C. asiastica and S. filicaulis (1:1) (250–500 mg/kg) did not reveal the therapeutic advantage of combining both plant extracts in the clinical management of stomach ulcers. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
