Evaluation of Antiulcer and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Leaves Extract of Allium cepa (Onion Leaves) in Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

Allium cepa (Onion leaves) are frequently used in food, as a spice, and as medicine. There is evidence in the literature that onion leaves contain advantageous phyto-constituents with a range of pharmacological effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the possible antiulcer and anti-inflammatory efficacy of leaves extract of Allium cepa through 3 in-vivo models; pylorus ligation induced ulcer in rats, acetic acid and indomethcin induced delayed ulcer in rats and Carrageenan induced paw edema in rats. The study models were divided 3 groups as control, standard (ranitidine 80 mg/kg. p.o) and Allium cepa (500 mg/kg). Mean ulcer index and percentage protection were the main study outcomes. Compared to control groups, both plant extract and ranitidine showed significant reduction in mean ulcer index in all the 3 models. Further, both ranitidine and Allium cepa showed higher rates ulcer protection compared to control. In pylorus ligated rats, plant extract showed significant effect on other offensive factors like free acidity, total acidity, pepsin content and protein content by decreasing them to significant levels. Results of the study suggest that Allium cepa has an immense antiulcer activity and in carrageen induced acute paw edema model, oral administration of Allium cepa at dose of 25mg/kg significantly shows inhibition in paw edema as anti-inflammatory. However, further clinical studies should be performed to confirm the same before put into therapy.