ABSTRACT

Ibuprofen, a strong analgesic and an anti-inflammatory drug used over a long period caused side effects such as peptic ulcer and constipation. Honeydew melon has been shown to possess anti-secretory, antiulcer and angiogenic. Hence, this study investigated the anti-ulcer effect of aqueous extract of honeydew melon on ibuprofen induced gastric ulcer in male Wistar rats.

Wistar rats (n=35,150-200g) were randomly divided into seven groups. They were treated as follows; I (control- distilled water),II- ibuprofen induced ulcer untreated (400mg/kg ibuprofen, p.o),III(ibuprofen induced ulcer + misoprostol (200μg/kg),IV-VII induced with ibuprofen and treated with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%aqueous extract of honeydew melon (HDM) for 3 weeks prior to gastric ulcer induction, respectively. Gastric secretion was measured by titrimetric method, and the ulcer score was measured. Assessment of activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase, and protein level, Malondialdehyde, H+/K+ ATPase were determined by spectrophotometry. Prostaglandins synthesis was measured using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit. Data were expressed as Mean + SEM, analyzed using one-way ANOVA, with P