In Indian traditional system of medicine, the plant of Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel. (Sapotaceae) is recommended for the management of peptic ulcer. In light of this, the present investigation was carried out to study the antiulcer activity of various doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) of petroleum ehter extract of Madhuca indica J.F. Gmel, using the pylorus ligation and naproxen-induced gastric ulcer models in rats. In pylorus ligation, the extract provided significant ulcer protective effect as evinced through significant increase in gastric pH and mucin content of the stomach along with reduction in total acidity and pepsin activity. After 4 week treatment period, desired aim was achieved using petroleum ether extract of plant of Madhuca indica MI-PEE at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. (P < 0.01), (P < 0.001) showed significant reduction in ulcerated area and ulcer index as compared to control group in naproxen induced ulcer model. Moreover, ulcerated area was reduced significantly in all two models. It is concluded that Petroleum ether extract of Madhuca indica leaves possesses antiulcer activity which can be attributed to its ability to increase the protective layer of mucin and decrease the damaging and or digestive effects of pepsin and acid.
