EXTRACTION, PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITY OF ZIZIPHUS ROTUNDIFOLIA
Abhishek Sondhiya, Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Akhlesh Kumar Singhai
ABSTRACT
The present study was carried out to investigate the extraction, phytochemical analysis, and anti-ulcer activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus rotundifolia. The extractive value of the hydroalcoholic extract was found to be 7.25% (w/w) with a dark brown appearance, indicating efficient extraction of phytoconstituents. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, carbohydrates, and proteins, while alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, resins, and saponins were absent. Quantitative estimation showed that the extract contained 0.72 mg/100 mg of total phenolic content (GAE) and 0.91 mg/100 mg of total flavonoid content (QE), suggesting significant antioxidant potential. Acute oral toxicity studies confirmed that the extract was safe up to 2000 mg/kg, with no signs of toxicity or mortality. The anti-ulcer activity was evaluated using an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. The hydroalcoholic extract of Ziziphus rotundifolia demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent reduction in ulcer index. It also increased gastric pH and decreased total acidity, free acidity, and pepsin activity. The higher dose (200 mg/kg) showed effects comparable to ranitidine, indicating strong gastroprotective activity. The anti-ulcer effect may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, phenols, and tannins, which exhibit antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antisecretory properties. The findings suggest that Ziziphus rotundifolia has promising potential as a natural agent for the management of gastric ulcers.
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