Gastric secretagogue action of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta in the perfused stomach of anesthetized rats

Background: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta has been reported to have antimalarial and antidiabetic effects. Aim: The gastric secretagogue action of ethanolic extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta stem was studied in rat model to evaluate its possible role in gastric acid secretion. Food intake and weight gain were also observed. Materials and Methods: The animals used were divided into four groups. The control received 2 ml of distilled water, while treated groups received 50, 150, and 250 mg/kgbw of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract per oral respectively daily for 21 days. Results: Cryptolepis sanguinolenta caused dose-dependent increase in gastric acid secretion. This secretagogue effect was augmented by histamine. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta also significantly increased food intake, body weight gain, and the sizes and number of gastric parietal cells. Conclusion: The results suggest that Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is ulcerogenic, and the gastric secretagogue action is histamine-mediated. This effect could be attributed to the presence of cryptolepine, the major bioactive agent, and other alkaloids present in the botanical.