COMPREHENSIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACTS TO INVESTIGATE THEIR ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL AND ANTIULCER EFFICACY

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer activities of selected ethnomedicinal plant stem bark extracts. Methods: Stem bark extracts were prepared using standard solvent extraction methods and subjected to phytochemical screening and chromatographic profiling. Antioxidant activity was assessed by superoxide radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, while anti-ulcer activity was determined using the pylorus ligation–induced gastric ulcer model. Gastric secretion parameters and histopathological analysis were performed to confirm gastroprotection. Results: The extracts exhibited a high content of phenolics and flavonoids, correlating with strong, dose-dependent antioxidant activity. Significant reductions in ulcer index, gastric volume, and total acidity were observed, with effects comparable to standard drugs. Anti-inflammatory studies showed marked inhibition of paw edema. Histopathological findings confirmed preservation of gastric mucosal integrity and reduced lesion severity in treated groups. Conclusion: The results validate the traditional use of the investigated ethnomedicinal plants and demonstrate that acetone and ethanol extracts possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer activities, supporting their potential development as natural gastroprotective agents.