Phytochemistry and Anti-Ulcerogenic Effects of the Ethanol Extract of Psidium guajava on Indomethacin- Induced Ulcer in Wistar Rats
Chidiebere Malachy Chigbo
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Christian Obiajulu Ezeigwe
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Orji Ejike Celestine *
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ijeoma Cynthia Anyaoku
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Uchechukwu Chibuzo Ogbodo
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Psidium guajava leaves are traditionally used for gastrointestinal conditions and may contain bioactive constituents relevant to gastric mucosal protection. This study evaluated the nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents and anti-ulcerogenic activity of the ethanol leaf extract of P. guajava in indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration in Wistar rats.
Methods: Fresh guava leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverised and extracted with 70% ethanol. Proximate, vitamin, mineral and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed using standard analytical methods. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were allocated to five groups (n = 5). Gastric ulceration was induced with indomethacin (30 mg/kg). The standard control group received cimetidine (11.4 mg/kg), while treatment groups received the extract at 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg. Gastric volume, gastric pH, ulcer index and protection index were assessed, and data were analysed using ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The leaves contained carbohydrate, protein, fat, fibre, vitamin C and vitamin A. Phytochemical analysis showed alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and phenols. Extract treatment reduced the ulcer index from 24.70 ± 10.30 in the negative control to 12.60 ± 2.80, 11.10 ± 3.00 and 8.90 ± 2.20 at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The highest extract dose produced a protection index of 63.97%, close to cimetidine.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that ethanol extract of P. guajava leaves has dose-related anti-ulcerogenic activity in this model, alongside measurable nutritional and phytochemical constituents.
Keywords: Psidium guajava, ethanol leaf extract, indomethacin-induced ulcer, Wistar rats, anti-ulcerogenic activity, phytochemicals, proximate composition, gastric pH, ulcer index, gastroprotection