Antiulcer and anticonvulsant activity of Croton zambesicus.

The ethanolic root extract of Croton zambesicus was investigated for its potential to protect gastric mucosa against ulcers induced by indomethacin, ethanol and reserpine. The anticonvulsant activity of the root extract against pentylene tetrazol (PTZ)- and picrotoxin-induced convulsion in mice was also studied. The extract (27-81 mg/kg) produced a significant (P<0.005-0.001) dose-dependent effects against the ulcerogenic effect of different agents used; indomethacin, ethanol and reserpine. The effect of the extract was lower than that of the standard drug, cimetidine (100 mg/kg) in the indomethacin and reserpine-induced ulcer models and higher than that of propranolol (40 mg/kg) in ethanol-induced ulcer model. The extract (27-81 mg/kg) could not protect mice from convulsion in both PTZ--and picrotoxin-induced convulsion. The root extract significantly (P<0.01-0.001) delayed the onset and latency of convulsion caused by PTZ and picrotoxin. The root extract possesses antiulcer and anticonvulsant properties.