Inhibitory Effect of Moringa Oleifera on Gastric Acid Secretion

Abstract

The effect of orally ingested substance on gastric acid secretion, have been subject to human investigation. This study was carried out to investigate the inhibitory effect of Moringa oleifera on gastric acid secretion.  Fifteen (15) adult Wistar albino rats of both sexes weighing 300-450g were randomly allocated into three (3) groups of five (5) animals per group.  Group 1 served as the control and was given normal saline without administrations of acid alcohol.  Animals in group 2 were given acid alcohol (0.25ml 0f 36% HCl + 75% ethanol 0.25ml/100g body weight). Animals in group 3 were given 50mg/100g body weight of Moringa oleifera 1 hour before   acid alcohol was administered. The aqueous extract was administered through a gastric fistula and 10 minutes aliquot samples collected over 4 hours. Gastric acid secretion was measured by titrating the aliquots to a phenolphthalein end point. Result showed that Moringa oleifera significantly inhibits gastric acid secretion (p< 0.05), this effect was time dependent. Maximum inhibitory effect was seen after 4 hours of administration of Moringa oleifera but time of onset of action was within 2 hours.