Anti-Ulcer Activity of Mimosa Pudica Leaves Against Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Abstract

Abstract This invention provides a natural composition derived from Mimosa pudica leaves for the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers. The composition leverages bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and antioxidants, which collectively provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal-protective effects. The extract works by reducing oxidative stress, decreasing inflammation, and enhancing the mucosal barrier, thereby promoting healing and protecting the gastric lining from ulcer formation. The invention includes methods for preparing aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Mimosa pudica leaves, which are formulated for oral administration in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, or suspensions. Preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of this composition in rat models, suggesting it as a safe, plant-based alternative to conventional ulcer treatments.

Specification

Description:Anti-Ulcer Activity of Mimosa Pudica Leaves Against Gastric Ulcer in Rats
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a novel pharmaceutical composition derived from Mimosa pudica leaves that demonstrates anti-ulcer activity. Specifically, it focuses on the formulation and methodology for using Mimosa pudica leaf extracts to treat and prevent gastric ulcers, particularly in preclinical studies conducted on rats. This invention has applications in developing natural remedies for gastric ulcers, addressing both curative and preventive aspects.
Background of the Invention
Gastric ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are painful sores that form on the inner lining of the stomach and small intestine. This condition is largely due to an imbalance between protective and damaging factors within the gastrointestinal tract. Key damaging factors include high levels of gastric acid, pepsin, and stress-induced inflammatory cytokines, as well as infections from Helicobacter pylori bacteria and the chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin. These factors compromise the stomach's protective mucosal layer, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and, ultimately, ulcer formation.
Current treatment regimens for gastric ulcers include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor antagonists, and mucosal protective agents. Although effective, these treatments often come with side effects, such as headaches, nausea, constipation, and, with long-term use, increased risk of bone fractures and kidney disease. There is also growing evidence that chronic suppression of stomach acid can alter the natural gut microbiota balance, leading to digestive disorders. Consequently, there is a significant demand for alternative therapies derived from natural sources that offer efficacy in managing gastric ulcers while reducing side effects.
In recent years, interest in phytomedicine, or plant-based therapies, has grown significantly. Numerous plant species are now being researched for their anti-ulcer properties due to their natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and mucosal-protective phytochemicals. Among these, Mimosa pudica, commonly known as "touch-me-not" or "sensitive plant," has shown promising medicinal properties. This plant is traditionally used in several indigenous systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for wound healing, blood purification, and its calming effects on the nervous system.
Phytochemical analyses of Mimosa pudica have revealed a wealth of biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids. These compounds are known to exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, which could theoretically protect the gastric mucosa from ulcerogenic factors. Flavonoids and tannins, for instance, are widely reported to possess anti-ulcer activity by inhibiting gastric secretions and reinforcing mucosal barriers. The presence of antioxidants in Mimosa pudica could further combat oxidative stress, which is a significant contributor to ulcer formation.
While several studies have investigated Mimosa pudica for general anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, few studies have focused specifically on its anti-ulcer potential. Preliminary evidence suggests that Mimosa pudica leaf extracts could offer a dual approach to gastric ulcer management by both reducing acidity and strengthening the mucosal barrier. Unlike synthetic drugs, Mimosa pudica extracts are likely to have a favorable safety profile due to their natural origin, making them suitable for long-term use as a preventive measure.
Additionally, there is an unmet need for experimental validation of Mimosa pudica's anti-ulcer efficacy in controlled preclinical studies. Animal models, such as rats, provide a viable approach to investigate the gastroprotective properties of plant extracts before advancing to human trials. The present invention aims to bridge this gap by providing a detailed methodology for preparing and evaluating Mimosa pudica leaf extract as a treatment and preventive agent against gastric ulcers in rats. By assessing its effects on histopathology, ulcer indices, and antioxidant markers, this invention establishes a scientific basis for developing a natural, plant-based alternative for gastric ulcer management.
This invention aligns with the global trend towards natural therapies and offers an opportunity to harness the untapped potential of Mimosa pudica. If successful, this plant-based approach may not only reduce dependence on synthetic drugs but also provide an accessible and cost-effective treatment option for people in regions where conventional medical treatments are limited. The proposed extract could be developed into an easily administered form, such as tablets, capsules, or liquid suspensions, and used as a complementary therapy or a preventive measure against gastric ulcers.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides a novel natural treatment for gastric ulcers using extracts from Mimosa pudica (commonly known as the "sensitive plant") leaves. This invention includes the preparation, formulation, and application of Mimosa pudica leaf extracts for both the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers, with a focus on preclinical studies in rats.
The invention involves the extraction of bioactive compounds from Mimosa pudica leaves, utilizing aqueous or ethanolic extraction methods to preserve and concentrate their beneficial phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and antioxidants. These compounds are known to have gastroprotective properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can play a significant role in reducing ulcer formation and enhancing gastric mucosal health.
In preclinical testing, gastric ulcers are induced in rat models, after which varying doses of the Mimosa pudica leaf extract are administered to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy. The effectiveness of the treatment is assessed by analyzing the reduction in ulcer lesions, improvements in mucosal integrity, and changes in biochemical markers related to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Results indicate that the Mimosa pudica extract significantly reduces ulcer severity, strengthens gastric mucosal defenses, and improves overall gastric health. This invention presents an effective, natural, plant-based alternative to conventional ulcer treatments, providing an option that is both effective and potentially safer for long-term use. The invention could pave the way for developing new herbal remedies for managing gastric ulcers, with potential applications in dietary supplements or pharmaceutical products.
Detailed Description of the Invention
This invention describes a plant-based therapeutic composition derived from the leaves of Mimosa pudica for the treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers, characterized by painful sores in the stomach lining, arise from factors like excessive gastric acid, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Current ulcer treatments, while effective, often come with side effects, including potential gut microbiome disruption, which has led to increasing interest in natural, plant-derived therapies. The Mimosa pudica plant, widely recognized for its medicinal properties in traditional medicine systems, offers a promising alternative due to its array of bioactive compounds.
The therapeutic composition described in this invention utilizes the leaves of Mimosa pudica, which contain phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and antioxidants. These compounds are known for their gastroprotective properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Antioxidants, in particular, help combat oxidative stress, a key factor in gastric ulcer formation, while tannins and flavonoids contribute to strengthening the mucosal barrier and reducing inflammation. The plant's unique combination of bioactive compounds may offer a multifaceted approach to managing ulcers, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes.
To prepare the Mimosa pudica leaf extract, the leaves are harvested, washed, and dried to remove moisture while preserving the plant's medicinal properties. Once dried, the leaves are ground into a fine powder to maximize surface area, enhancing extraction efficiency. Two extraction methods are employed-aqueous and ethanolic extraction-to capture the full range of active compounds. For aqueous extraction, the powdered leaves are boiled in distilled water, which allows for the efficient release of water-soluble compounds like tannins and alkaloids. After boiling, the solution is filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to produce a potent aqueous extract. In ethanolic extraction, the powdered leaves are soaked in ethanol for 48 hours, periodically agitated to enhance compound release. Ethanol, as a solvent, is particularly effective at extracting non-polar compounds, such as certain flavonoids, that contribute to anti-ulcer effects. The resulting solution is filtered and concentrated, yielding a highly concentrated ethanolic extract.
The Mimosa pudica leaf extract can be formulated into various dosage forms, including oral suspensions, capsules, or tablets. The extract may also be freeze-dried to ensure stability and increase its shelf life. Each formulation is carefully prepared to preserve the integrity and efficacy of the bioactive compounds, ensuring that they remain potent for therapeutic use.
The efficacy of Mimosa pudica extract in treating gastric ulcers was evaluated in preclinical studies using rat models. To simulate ulcer conditions, gastric ulcers were induced in rats using standard ulcerogenic agents, such as ethanol and aspirin, known to cause oxidative stress and mucosal damage. Rats were divided into groups, with each group receiving either a placebo, an ulcer-inducing agent, or the Mimosa pudica extract at various doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight). The extract was administered orally over a period of 14 days to evaluate its therapeutic effects.
At the end of the treatment period, the rats were euthanized, and their stomachs were dissected to assess ulcer lesions, tissue health, and mucosal integrity. Gastric lesion scoring was performed to quantitatively evaluate the extent of ulcer healing, and histopathological analysis was conducted on tissue samples to observe structural improvements and reduction in inflammation. Additionally, biochemical analyses were carried out on the gastric tissue to measure the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, which indicate the extract's protective effect against oxidative damage.
Results from the study demonstrated that rats treated with Mimosa pudica extract showed a significant reduction in ulcer index scores, indicating fewer and less severe ulcerations. Histological examination revealed improved mucosal integrity, reduced inflammation, and faster tissue regeneration in treated rats compared to untreated ones. Biochemical markers showed enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, confirming that Mimosa pudica extract reduced oxidative stress within the gastric tissue. Together, these findings suggest that the extract effectively alleviates ulcer symptoms and repairs the gastric lining, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
This invention, therefore, offers a natural, safe, and effective alternative to conventional ulcer treatments. The Mimosa pudica leaf extract can be further developed into a range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, potentially providing a plant-based option for managing gastric ulcers with minimal side effects. By harnessing the therapeutic potential of Mimosa pudica, this invention could benefit individuals who suffer from gastric ulcers and seek safer, long-term management solutions.
The invention leverages the bioactive properties of Mimosa pudica leaf extract to treat and prevent gastric ulcers by mitigating the underlying causes of ulcer formation, such as excessive gastric acid, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The extract works through a combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal-protective effects, which collectively help in reducing ulcer severity and promoting gastric healing.
Upon administration, the Mimosa pudica leaf extract interacts with the gastric environment, where its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, come into action. Flavonoids in particular are known for their potent antioxidant capacity. In the gastric mucosa, they neutralize free radicals generated by ulcerogenic agents, thereby reducing oxidative stress. This antioxidant action is critical because oxidative stress weakens the mucosal barrier, making it more susceptible to damage from gastric acid and other harmful substances. By scavenging free radicals, the flavonoids in Mimosa pudica extract protect the gastric tissue and support cellular repair.
In addition to antioxidant effects, the tannins present in the Mimosa pudica extract reinforce the mucosal barrier by forming a protective layer over the stomach lining. Tannins have a natural ability to bind with proteins, creating a physical shield that can help prevent direct contact between gastric acid and the sensitive epithelial cells of the stomach. This protective layer reduces irritation and prevents further damage to the gastric lining. It also acts as a physical barrier that aids in trapping inflammatory agents, thereby minimizing inflammation within the gastric tissue.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Mimosa pudica leaf extract further contribute to its therapeutic action. Alkaloids and other phytochemicals in the extract inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines that play a role in ulcer pathogenesis. These compounds help modulate the body's inflammatory response, reducing swelling, pain, and tissue damage in the gastric lining. As a result, the inflammation commonly associated with ulcerative conditions is reduced, allowing for faster healing and regeneration of gastric cells.
The working of the invention was validated through preclinical studies in rat models, where gastric ulcers were induced using agents such as ethanol and aspirin. When administered orally, the Mimosa pudica extract demonstrated a substantial reduction in ulcer size, depth, and overall severity. In these models, the protective and healing effects of the extract were evidenced by the lowered ulcer index scores and the preservation of mucosal integrity. The rats treated with Mimosa pudica extract showed reduced histopathological signs of ulceration, including fewer lesions, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration, and restored mucosal structure. This reflects the ability of the extract to repair damaged tissues and restore normal gastric function.
Furthermore, biochemical analyses of the gastric tissues confirmed an increase in antioxidant enzyme levels, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, in treated groups. This enhancement in antioxidant defenses is indicative of the extract's role in reducing oxidative damage, which is a primary contributor to ulcer progression. Higher levels of these enzymes facilitate the neutralization of reactive oxygen species, supporting long-term gastric health.
The cumulative action of Mimosa pudica leaf extract results in a comprehensive therapeutic effect that not only alleviates ulcer symptoms but also addresses the root causes of ulcer formation. By strengthening the mucosal barrier, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating the inflammatory response, the extract provides a multi-dimensional approach to treating gastric ulcers. This natural treatment method could be a valuable alternative to traditional anti-ulcer drugs, offering efficacy with potentially fewer side effects and long-term safety.
, Claims:Claim:
1. A composition for the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers, comprising an effective amount of Mimosa pudica leaf extract, wherein the extract includes bioactive compounds selected from the group consisting of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and antioxidants, wherein said composition, upon administration, reduces oxidative stress, decreases inflammation, and enhances mucosal protection within the gastric lining to treat or prevent ulcer formation.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the Mimosa pudica leaf extract is prepared by an aqueous extraction process, in which the leaves are boiled in distilled water and filtered to concentrate water-soluble compounds that enhance gastric mucosal protection.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the Mimosa pudica leaf extract is prepared by an ethanolic extraction process, in which the leaves are soaked in ethanol to extract non-polar compounds that contribute to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the effective amount of Mimosa pudica leaf extract is provided in a dosage range between 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, tailored to achieve optimal reduction in ulcer index scores in subjects with induced gastric ulcers.
4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the bioactive compounds in the Mimosa pudica leaf extract include flavonoids that neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing oxidative damage to the gastric mucosa and supporting cellular repair mechanisms.
5. The composition of claim 1, formulated as an oral suspension, tablet, or capsule, wherein the form of administration is optimized to preserve the stability and efficacy of the bioactive compounds for enhanced therapeutic effects in the treatment of gastric ulcers.

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