Studies on the antiulcer and gastrointestinal effects of stem bark extract of Bridelia ferruginea.

The antiulcer and gastrointestinal effects of methanol stem bark extract (BFME) of Bridelia ferruginea Benth. (Euphorbiaceae) and its solvent fractions-dichloromethane (DCMF) and methanol (MF)-were studied using indomethacin- and ethanol-induced ulcers in rats, small intestinal transit of charcoal meal in mice, and the effects on acetylcholine-induced contractions of the isolated guinea pig ileum. The extract and fractions significantly (P<0.05) protected the rats against ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcers and inhibited small intestinal propulsion in the order of magnitude: DCMF>MF>BFME. On the guinea pig ileum, MF (0.05 - 6.40 mg/ml) elicited no inhibition, DCMF (5 - 40 μg/ml) antagonized acetylcholine-induced contractions of the guinea pig ileum with IC50 of 10.47μg/ml, while BFME (0.05 - 12.80 mg/ml) contracted the guinea pig ileum with EC50 of 1 mg/ml. Oral LD50 of BFME in mice was estimated to be 2,154 mg/kg. Phytochemistry tests revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and resins in BFME, MF tested positive for tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, while DCMF gave positive reactions for flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids and resins. These findings suggest that constituents of the stem bark of B. ferruginea possess antiulcer properties. In addition, some non-polar constituents possess spasmolytic activity while spasmogenic activity is likely associated with some polar constituents.