CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Gastrointestinal disorders such as acid related disease (gastritis, erosions, and peptic ulcer) are one of the severe classes of human ailments that cause maximum discomfort, mortality and morbidity. It has been shown that spicy food, fatty food or foods containing caffeine stimulates acid secretion in stomach and increase the risk of ulcer formation. Food containing flavonoid like apples, celery, cranberries and onion may inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori and may reduce the development of Helicobacter pylori induced gastric ulcers (Mota et al., 2009). High fibre diets such as potatoes, banana, peas, beans etc also reduce the development of duodenal ulcers and the same is true with fruits rich in vitamin.
Cabbage which is known as Brassica oleracea is a popular leafy vegetable. It is an herbaceous, biennial, dicotyledonous flowering plant. Traditional healing system plays an important role in health care delivery of many nations, and about 70% of the world’s population has incorporated traditional medicine into their primary modality of healthcare medicinal herbs constitutes the base of traditional medicine worldwide (Zohara, Ureil, et al., 1994). Research in medicinal plants has provided scientific basis for the use of whole plants or parts of it for treatment of some ailments (Amos et al., 2003).
Unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is a good source of carbohydrates and also rich in potassium and pro-vitamin A. (carotene) (Best et al., 1984). Besides its folkloric use in the treatment of peptic ulcer, Musa paradisiaca is also effective in the treatment of disorders like diarrhea and vomiting (Osifo et al., 1989). Its main constituents are carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, proteins and steroids (Ghosal, Bhatta, et al.,1987). Plantain leaf can be considered as a “green bandage” as it has healing properties useful in the treatment of skin infection, wounds and rashes (Rosemary,et al., 2001). Musa paradisiaca leaf poultices are also used in the treatment of toothaches and gum abscesses (Richo,et al., 2000). Unripe plantain when used as an expectorant helps to expel phlegm from the respiratory tract (Simon,et al 1998). It also has astringent properties which are used in folkloric medicine for the treatment of urinary tract infections and haemorrhoids’ (David, et al.,1995).
On the other hand an ulcer is an erosion in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. It is basically an inflamed break in the skin or the mucus membrane lining the alimentary tract. Ulceration occurs when there is a disturbance of the normal equilibrium caused by either enhanced aggression or diminished mucosal resistance. About nineteen (19) out of twenty (20) peptic ulcers are duodenal. Gastric ulcers, found in the stomach wall, are less common. The gastric mucosa is continuously exposed to potentially injurious agents such as acid, pepsin, bile acids, food ingredients, bacterial products (Helicobacter pylori) and drugs. These agents have been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer, including enhanced gastric acid and pepsin secretion, inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and cell proliferation growth, diminished gastric blood flow and gastric motility. In accordance with the above background, this present research attempts to assess and compare the anti-ulceroginic effect of aqueous extracts of Musa paradisica (unripe plantain) and Brassica oleracea (Cabbage) on the total acidity and histology of the stomach in indomethacin-induced ulcer in wistar rat.
1.2 Aim of Study
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of Musa paradisica (unripe plantain) and Brassica oleracea (Cabbage) on the total acidity and histology of the stomach in indomethancin induced ulcer in wistar rat.
1.3 Significance of Study
This study will in effect supply necessary information regarding to the effect of aqueous extracts of Musa paradisica (unripe plantain) and Brassica oleracea (Cabbage) in the management and prevention of gastric ulcer. Findings of this study may help patient with gastric ulcer make necessary adjustment in clinical practise.
1.4 Scope of Study
This study is limited to this research is restricted to the use of animal model due to ease at which sample can be collected for the avoidance of every physiological and environmental factor.