Gastroprotective Effect of Roselle Mucilage

Abstract

In Thai traditional medicine roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is for used the treatment of various diseases and disorders including ypertension, hyperlipidemia, bladder stone and gastric ulceration ¹. It was demonstrated that roselle can be used as fragrant, antispasmodic drink and anti-hypertensive as well as anthelmintic in taeniasis and anti-bacterial agent².  An aqueous extract of roselle was reported to be an effective diuretic in patients with urologic disorders³.  The present study was undertaken to evaluate roselle for its anti-ulcer activity. Roselle mucilage fraction (RMF) was isolated and examined in experimentally ulcerated rats. Oral administration of the RMF from 125 - 500 mg/kg significantly inhibited gastric ulcer formation induced by indomethacin, ethanol and hypothermic restraint-stress. Antigastric secretory effect of the RMF in pylorus-ligated rats was not clearly demonstrated since the gastric volume, pH and acidity output were not affected by the RMF pretreatment in a dose-related manner. In ethanol-induced ulcerated rats, gastric wall mucus content was markedly preserved by the RMF pretreatment. The findings indicate that roselle mucilage possesses gastroprotective potential.