Evaluation of the Antiulcer Properties of Castor Plants Indigenous to Kerala

Abstract

The castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L) Is a species of flowering plant of Euphorbiaceae family. It is also widely grown as an ornamental plant and for oil seed production in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antiulcer properties of the castor oil plant. The antiulcer property was studied by studying the H+,K+ -ATPase enzyme inhibition activity. The H+,K+-ATPase activity was conducted in the presence of different concentrations of castor seed extract. The percentages of inhibition were calculated. The percentages of inhibition obtained were 94.11%, 94.62%, 94.95%, 95.12% and 95.46% for samples concentrations 1OO μl, 200 μl, 300 μl, 400 μl and 500 μl respectively. Phytochemical analysis was performed to reveal the presence of antiulcerogenic principles like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds an saponins. Positive results were observed for all the four phytochemicals. This showed that Riccinus communis L. possess significant antiulcer property.