In a global context and developing countries Nigeria inclusive, herbal medicines are major source of healt:hcare. Among plants widely used as therapeutic agents for treating various forms of cancer is Cadaba farinosa. However, there are limited published reports about the possible therapeutic effects of this plant especially on the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of aqueous stem bark extract of Cadaba farinosa on the gastrointestinal tract of adult Wistar rats.Thirty adult rats of both sexes were used and divided into five groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as control. Aqueous extracts were administered to study groups (2, 3, 4 and 5) at different doses of 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg respectively. Haematological parameters such as RBC count and RBC indices (Hgb, MCV, MCH and MCHC) determined after 28 days (sub-chronic) using standard techniques. Histology of gastrointestinal tract was examined at highest dose of 400mg/kg. This study showed that acute oral administration of aqueous stem bark extract of Cadaba farinosa is relatively safe up to 5000mg/kg body weight/day. Histological findings showed normal sections of gastrointestinal tract among study groups. However, there are increased goblet cells proliferations and secretions in animals treated with various doses of extract. The haematological parameters were within normal limits.Aqueous stem bark extract of Cadaba farinosa in animal models ameliorates gastrointestinal mucosal damage resulting from reduced mucosal barrier from mucus secretion (anti peptic ulcer).
Keywords: Cadaba farinosa, Gastrointestinal tract, Wistar rats, ulcer
