Evaluation of the Urease Inhibitory, Antiulcer and Acute Toxicity Effects of Ethanolic Seed Extracts of Garcinia Kola against Chemically Induced Ulcers

Abstract

There is growing interest in medicinal plants due to their perceived safety, affordability, and effectiveness compared to synthetic drugs. This study evaluated the in vitro urease inhibitory activity, antiulcer effects, and acute toxicity profile of ethanolic seed extract of Garcinia kola against chemically induced ulcers. Quantitative phytochemical analysis using standard techniques revealed saponins as the most abundant component (6.471 ± 0.02 mgQAE/g), followed by glycosides (3.421 ± 0.01 mgDE/g), phenolics (2.471 ± 0.01 mgGAE/g), flavonoids (2.041 ± 0.05 mgQCE/g), alkaloids (0.647 ± 0.03 mgAE/g), and tannins (0.342 ± 0.02 mgTAE/g). Anti-urease activity was assessed using commercial urea and urease enzymes at concentrations of 25 – 400 mg/mL, with omeprazole as control. Results showed a significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of urease activity, highest at 400 mg/mL. Acute toxicity was evaluated via oral administration in albino mice monitored for 72 h and no toxicity was observed at doses up to 400 mg/mL. Antiulcer activity was investigated using three ulcer-induction models: aspirin (30 mg/mL), acetic acid (1 mL of 95%), and indomethacin (30 mg/mL). The extract (400 mg/mL) significantly reduced ulcer formation across all models (P < 0.05). Potency was greatest against aspirin-induced ulceration, with an inhibition rate of 79.69 %, exceeding that observed in the acetic acid and indomethacin models. Notably, the effect of the 400 mg/mL extract was not significantly different from that of omeprazole, a standard proton pump inhibitor. These findings demonstrate that Garcinia kola ethanolic seed extract possesses urease inhibitory and gastroprotective properties while being safe at tested doses. The results provide scientific validation for its ethnomedicinal use in managing inflammatory states, wound healing (ulcers), and other infectious diseases.