Effect of ethanol extract of Piper betle Linn leaf on healing of NSAID-induced experimental ulcer--a novel role of free radical scavenging action.

Treatment with ethanol extract of leaf of P. betle at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight daily for 10 days, after induction of peptic ulcer by NSAID in albino rats, produced significant healing effect. During healing process, on treatment with the extractive, antioxidative factor, e.g. superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, mucus and total gastric tissue sulfhydryl group were increased. In contrast, oxidised lipid and oxidatively modified proteins were reduced to near normalcy, within 7 to 10 days, however, change in the untreated group was not significant. The extract also showed significant in vitro free radical scavenging action. The results suggest that the antioxidant or free radical scavenging activity of the plant extract, may be responsible for its healing action.