GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT INJURIES

Parkia biglobosa (African locust beans) is a perennial plant, it's seed has been reported to have good organoleptic containing high levels of fat, crude protein, pure protein, carbohydrates and starch. The fermented seed of P.biglobosa has been reported to contain an increased level of nutrients and secondary metabolites such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, phenols, saponins, flavonoids as compared to the unfermented seed. In various studies p.biglobosa has been shown to have antiulcer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory therapeutic properties. Aspirin is a salicylic acid and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Aspirin is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain. Aspirin has been reported to have cardiovascular protective effect as well as adverse effects such as stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this study is to investigate fermented seed extract of Parkia biglobosa for its gastroprotective effect on aspirin induced gastrointestinal injury. Thirty male wistar rats where used for this study,which was divided into six groups having five rats per group (n=5). Animals in group one served as the unexposed group, groups two where fed 1000mg/kg of extract, group three where fed 20mg/kg of aspirin, group four, five and six were fed the extract and aspirin at alternated time frame. Histological changes as well as stomach weight, initial and final body weight were analyzed. Statistical softway SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data obtained. The statistical results showed no significant difference in increased stomach and body weight at p value <0.05. In the histological analysis of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine, group one and two where normal, group three had inflammation as a result of the aspirin administered. In group four the various parts analyzed where normal which showed the counter effect of p.biglobosa. Group five and six had various parts still inflamed which could be as a result of increased dosage or the duration of administration. In conclusion, it maybe inferred that Parkia biglobosa has an effect, which is a counteracting effect on aspirin against gastrointestinal tract injury in male wistar rat.