Effect of Shankha Bhasma on Gastrointestinal Tract Ulcer in Guinea Pig (White Rat)

Abstract

Gastric ulcers were induced in guinea pig by indomethacin and cold restraint stress, and the effect of two different doses of shankha bhasma was studied and observed. Shankha bhasma is conch shell ash. The response of the bhasma on ulcer index, lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reacting substance) in gastric tissue and serum calcium was estimated. Shankha bhasma led to significant reduction in ulcer index (p<0.001) in both the indomethacin and cold resistant models. TBARS of stomach in indomethacin treated guinea pig was also reduced (p<0.001) when treated with shankha bhasma, but serum calcium level was not allowed. Shankha bhasma induced dose offers protection against experimental gastric ulcers.