Investigation of In-Vitro Anti-Ulcer Activity of Whole Plant Methanolic Extract of Ficus Religiosa

Abstract

Background & Objectives: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in-vitro anti-ulcer potential of the methanolic extract of Ficus religiosa Linn. through two key mechanisms — Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) and H+/K+-ATPase inhibition assay — to determine its ability to neutralize gastric acid and inhibit proton pump activity.

Methods and Results: Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) Assay: The acid-neutralizing capacity of the methanolic extract of Ficus religiosa was evaluated at different concentrations (100–1500 mg) and compared with a standard antacid preparation containing Aluminium hydroxide and Magnesium hydroxide [Al(OH)₃ + Mg(OH)₂]. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in acid neutralization, as indicated by the progressive increase in the volume of NaOH consumed with higher doses. At 100 mg, the extract neutralized 1.0 mEq of acid with an ANC of 10.0 mmol/g. Increasing the concentration to 500 mg resulted in the neutralization of 2.4 mEq of acid (ANC 4.8 mmol/g). Further enhancement was observed at 1000 mg, which neutralized 4.4 mEq of acid with an ANC of 4.4 mmol/g. The highest concentration tested, 1500 mg, showed the maximum acid-neutralizing effect by neutralizing 7.2 mEq of acid (ANC 4.8 mmol/g), indicating superior antacid activity among the extract doses. The standard antacid (500 mg) neutralized 7.6 mEq of acid with an ANC of 15.2 mmol/g, thereby validating the experimental procedure. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the methanolic extract of Ficus religiosa possesses significant acid-neutralizing potential, with the highest effectiveness observed at the 1500 mg concentration, supporting its potential use as a natural antacid agent.

H+/K+-ATPase Inhibition Assay: The aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa was evaluated for its ability to inhibit gastric proton pump activity at concentrations of 20 µg, 40 µg, 60 µg, 80 µg, and 100 µg, using Omeprazole as the standard. The extract exhibited significant, dose-dependent inhibition, with a maximum inhibition of 65.27 ± 0.76% at 100 µg, compared to 70.14 ± 1.68% observed with Omeprazole.

Interpretation & Conclusion: The in-vitro findings indicate that Ficus religiosa Linn. exhibits significant anti-ulcer activity, achieved through both acid neutralization and inhibition of the gastric proton pump. These activities may be attributed to the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which contribute to mucosal protection and reduction of gastric acidity. Further in-vivo and clinical investigations are required to isolate the active compounds and validate their therapeutic efficacy and safety.