ANTIULCER EFFECT OF SHANKHA BHASMA IN RATS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the anti-peptic ulcer effect of Shankha bhasma (conch shell ash) in rats. Methods: Gastric ulcers were induced in rats by indomethacin and cold restraint stress, and the effect of two different doses of Shankha bhasma was studied. The response of the bhasma on ulcer index, lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reacting substances TBARS) in gastric tissue and serum calcium was determined. Results: Shankha bhasma caused significant reduction in ulcer index (P<0.001) in both the indomethacin and cold restraint models. TBARS of stomach in indomethacin treated rat was also reduced (P<0.001) by Shankha bhasma but serum calcium level was not altered. Conclusion: Shankha bhasma induced dose dependent protection against experimental gastric ulcers.