Peter  Achunike Akah, Martha  Nneoma Oforkansi, Victoria  Nonyelum Umeh, 
    Potentials of <i>Persea americana</i> Mill (Avocado) (Lauraceae) Seeds as Ulcer Protective Agent,
    Research Journal of Pharmacology,
    Volume 14,Issue 1,
    2020,
    Pages 1-11,
    ISSN 1815-9362,
    rjpharm.2020.1.11,
    (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=rjpharm.2020.1.11)
    Abstract: The seed extract of <i>Persea americana</i> has been
used to treat peptic ulcer disease in folkloric medicine but
its efficacy has not been validated. The present study was
carried out to evaluate the ulcer-protective effects of the
seed aqueous extract and its n-hexane and water fractions
using rats ulcer models: dried and milled seeds of
<i>P. americana</i> were soaked in distilled water for 24 h,
filtered and freeze dried. The Aqueous Extract (ASEPA)
was fractionated with n-hexane and residue was the water
fraction. Acute toxicity study (LD<sub>50</sub>) and phytochemical
screening were carried out on the extract and fractions.
The ulcer-protective effects of ASEPA and fractions were
tested on ulcer models induced by ethanol, aspirin, stress
and pyloric ligation. Cimetidine and distilled water served
as the standard drug and negative control, respectively.
Outcome measures were ulcer index, percentage
ulcer-protection, gastric acid volume, pH, free acidity and
total acidity. The effect of ASEPA and fractions on
isolated tissue preparation was studied using segments of
guinea pig the ileum. The oral median Lethal Dose (LD<sub>50</sub>)
of the extract was &gt;5000 mg kg<sup>&#150;1</sup>. Phytochemical tests
revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such as
flavonoids, tannins, reducing sugars and saponins.
ASEPA and fractions conferred dose-related
ulcer-protection on the ulcer models used. ASEPA and
fractions displayed a non-dose dependent and non specific
spasmolytic effect. <i>P. americana</i> seed extract displays
excellent properties that are beneficial in the treatment of
peptic ulcer.
    Keywords: ulcerogens;ulcer protection;Persea americana;spasmolytic;rats