Pentatropis capensis (L.f.) Bullock has been used as traditional medicine in the treatment of ulcer by Siddha medical practioners. The present study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant and antiulcer effects of the ethanol extract from the aerial parts of Pentatropis capensis in in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract was measured using DPPH, Superoxide, Hydroxyl and Nitricoxide radicals. The antiulcer activity was evaluated using ethanol-induced ulcer model. The IC50 value for the free radical scavenging activity under in vitro conditions was found to be moderate when compared with the positive standards namely Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid. The in vivo studies exhibited significant antiulcer activity of the extract at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. The antiulcer effect of the higher dose of extract (400 mg/kg) was found to be equally good when compared with the standard drug Omeprazole. The present study proves the scientific validation of the traditional use of this plant against ulcer.
