Antiulcer activity of Sapindus saponaria L. in the rat.

Extracts of leaves and fruits of Sapindus saponaria L. were orally administered to rats and the parameters of gastric secretion (volume, pH and acidity) were evaluated after pylorus ligature. The inhibitory effect of the extracts on lesions induced by stress was compared to that of cimetidine. The volume and concentration of hydrochloric acid were reduced after oral administration of the extracts. A significant reduction of the lesion index was observed in the acute assays. No significant alteration in body or organ weight was detected in animals treated orally for 30 days with the extracts. These results suggest that S. saponaria fruits have an anti-gastric ulcer potential.