Gastroprotective Activity and Acute Oral Toxicity of Hydroalcoholic Bark Extract of Mitragyna parvifolia in Experimental Ulcer Model

Although Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth has long been used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues, experimental research has not sufficiently demonstrated its gastroprotective effects. This study used recognized animal models to examine the acute oral toxicity and antiulcer potential of the hydroalcoholic bark extract of Mitragyna parvifolia. Using a Soxhlet device, ethanol was used to extract the bark material. To identify important bioactive chemicals, the resultant extract underwent preliminary phytochemical analysis. Using the pylorus ligation-induced stomach ulcer model, antiulcer activity was investigated in Wistar albino rats. The standard reference medication was ranitidine at a dose of 150mg/kg, while the extract was given orally at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg. Gastric secretion volume, pH, free acidity, total acidity, and ulcer index were among the parameters that were examined to determine the degree of harm and protection to the stomach mucosa. The integrity of the mucosa and its protective effects were further confirmed by histopathological examination of gastric tissues. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds—all of which are known to have gastroprotective and antioxidant qualities. In comparison to the control group, the hydroalcoholic extract showed a notable, dose-dependent reduction in the ulcer index and stomach acidity. The extract produced effects similar to ranitidine at the higher dose of 400 mg/kg, showing about 85% prevention of ulcer formation. Histological findings showed that the extract-treated groups had less tissue damage and significant preservation of the stomach mucosal architecture. According to OECD guideline 423, acute oral toxicity studies conducted in mice revealed no death or unfavourable behavioural alterations, suggesting a good safety margin. These results support the ethanolic bark extract of Mitragyna parvifolia prospective development as a natural therapeutic agent for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease by indicating that it has strong antiulcer efficacy and an acceptable safety profile.