A Study of Antiulcer Activity in Cynodon dactylon Leaves Extract on Albino Rats

Peptic ulcer is a chronic, non-malignant inflammatory disease characterized by ulceration in the upper gastro-intestinal tract (stomach and duodenum) where parietal cells are found. The aetiology of gastric ulceration is multifactorial and not clearly defined, but some predisposing factors have been implicated. This includes duration of starvation, nature of food ingested, bile reflux, lessened mucosal resistance, alteration of gastric mucosal blood flow, disruption of gastric mucosal barrier by stress, decrease in alkaline mucosal bicarbonate and mucus secretion, over dosage and or prolonged administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Among numerous species of plants growing in India, Durva or taxonomically the Cynodon dactylon occupies a key position in ethno medicinal practices and traditional medical knowledge systems (Ayurveda, Unani, Nepalese, and Chinese). Durva consists of dried whole plant of Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers. (Family: Poaceae), an elegant, tenacious, perennial, creeping grass growing throughout the country. In our present study, the mature green leaves of Cynodon dactylon belongs to family Poaceae were collected from in and around area of Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, South India. The plant was identified with the help of Manual of Tamil Nadu and Karnatic flora with standard references. From this study, it is clear that C. dactylon leaf extract has significant anti-ulcer activity in animal models. The extract is non-toxic even at relatively high concentrations. The anti-ulcer activity is probably due to the presence of flavonoids.