Effect of Ethyl Acetate Extracts from Peel of Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia on Aspirin Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice

Aims: The present study is aimed at investigating the antiulcer activity of ethyl acetate extract of Citrus decumana (grapefruit) and Citrus aurantifolia (lime) peels.
Study Design: Animals were divided into six groups of six animals each as follows;
• Group EtCD: Ulcer was induced and treated with Citrus decumana peel extract.
• Group EtCA: Ulcer was induced and treated with Citrus aurantifolia.
• Group EtCD + EtCA: Ulcer was induced and treated with Citrus decumana + Citrus aurantifolia.
• Group Ranitidine: Ulcer was induced and treated with Ranitidine.
• Group Ulcer: Ulcer was induced but not treated.
• Group Normal: Ulcer was not induced.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 65, Minna Niger State, Nigeria.
Methodology: Ethyl acetate extracts of dried peel powder of Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia were obtained using reflux. Phytochemical screening was done on the extracts to determine their chemical constituents. Ulcer was induced in six groups of mice by oral administration of aspirin. The mice were treated by oral administration of ethyl acetate extract of Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia. The antiulcerogenic activity was evaluated in aspirin induced ulcerogenic mice models at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Ulcerative indexes as well as oxidative stress markers like thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase activity (CAT) in the plasma and gastric tissue were measured in all groups to study the possible involvement of antioxidants with gastro protection.
Results: Pretreatment of animals with ethylacetate extracts of Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia peel showed a significant decrease in ulcerative index and TBARS Level in both plasma and gastric tissues compared to the control. Although all the treatment groups showed a significant increase in SOD and CAT concentration in plasma and gastric tissue, Citrus decumana extract showed a more significant increase in the concentration of SOD when compared to all other groups.
Conclusion: This study indicates that Citrus decumana and Citrus aurantifolia peel may be used as a natural therapeutic agent in the treatment of ulcers.