Pharmacological evaluations of ethanol extract of Ficus benghalensis L. seeds for its antiulcer and antimicrobial efficacy

Abstract

To evaluate the gastroprotective effect and antimicrobial efficacy of the seeds of Ficus benghalensis L. Acute oral 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 at a dose of 4000 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 extremely great for all the tested microorganisms. HPTLC chromatogram showed a total of 9 peaks at different R_f 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 F. benghalensis seed extract showed significant antiulcer activity that might be attributed to its antioxidant potential. F. benghalensis showed significant activity against bacteria and fungi. The extract containing phytoconstituents must have contributed to its antimicrobial activity.