Protective Effect of Falcaria vulgaris     Extract on Ethanol Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rat

Falcaria vulgaris is a member of Umbelliferae family and is used for treatment of stomach disorders in the folk medicines of the west of Iran. This study was designed to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of F. vulgaris extract on ethanol (50%) induced gastric ulcers in rat. Thirty five young white male rats were divided to five groups (7 rats/ group).Three case groups received plant extract (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) and control negative and positive groups received distilled water and ranitidine respectively. Animals were killed and their stomachs were removed and macroscopic and microscopic ulcer index were determined. Data were subjected to one way ANOVA followed by Dennett's t-test. The results indicated that hydro alcoholic extract of F. vulgaris (50,100,150 mg/kg) significantly decreased the ulcer index (p<0.05) and these doses of extract exerted macroscopic curative ratios of 66.9%, 76.9% and 80.25% respectively. F. vulgaris extract has gastroprotective effect on ethanol-induced ulcer in rat.