Pharmacological evaluation of ethanol extract of <em>Ficus benghalensis</em> seeds for antiulcer and antimicrobial efficacy

Abstract

The alcoholic extract of the seeds of the plant <em>Ficus benghalensis</em> L. has been screened for acute toxicity, gastroprotective effect, antimicrobial efficacy, antioxidant potential and HPTLC analysis.Toxicity study was performed according to the OECD test guidelines and the antiulcer assay was performed using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in albino rats. The antimicrobial activity and HPTLC analysis were also performed. The seed extract did not show any sign of toxicity upto dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. Reductions in the ulcer index and gastric acid volume with increase in the pH of the gastric fluid in extract treated rats proved antiulcer activity. Increased levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase with a decrease in lipid peroxidation in the extract treated animals demonstrated its antioxidant effect. The zone of inhibition was significant in all the tested microorganisms. HPTLC chromatogram showed a total of 9 peaks at different <em>R_f</em> values and peak area at 366 nm whereas seven peaks were observed at 254 nm. The number of peaks indicates the presence of constituents in the extract. Pre-treatment with <em>F. benghalensis</em> seed extract showed appreciable antiulcer activity that might be attributed to its antioxidant potential. The extract also showed approciable activity against the bacteria and fungi tested. The extract containing phytoconstituents must have contributed to this property.