PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF IPOMOEA TRILOBA LEAF EXTRACT IN WISTAR RATS

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-ulcer potential of Ipomoea triloba leaf extract using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract revealed the presence of bioactive constituents such as phenolics, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, and terpenoids. Quantitative analysis showed high total phenolic content (52.5 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and total flavonoid content (27.5 mg rutin equivalent/g extract), indicating a rich antioxidant profile. The in vitro antioxidant activity assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging assay demonstrated significant free radical scavenging potential with an IC₅₀ value of 48.61 μg/mL. Acute oral toxicity studies conducted as per OECD-423 guidelines showed no signs of toxicity or mortality up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg, confirming the safety of the extract. In the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model in Wistar rats, Ipomoea triloba extract exhibited dose-dependent gastroprotective effects. The higher dose (400 mg/kg) significantly reduced ulcer index, gastric juice volume, and free acidity while improving gastric pH, with effects comparable to the standard drug ranitidine. Macroscopic examination of gastric tissues supported the biochemical findings, showing reduced mucosal damage and enhanced tissue protection. These results validate the traditional use of Ipomoea triloba and suggest its potential as a safe, natural anti-ulcer agent, warranting further mechanistic and clinical investigations.