Gastroprotective Studies of Raw and Processed African pear (Dacryodes edulis var. edulis) on Experimentally Induced Gastric Mucosa Ulcer in Wistar Rats

Gastric ulcer is acknowledged as one of the leading human gastroduodenal disorders in the globally; hence, a study on gastroprotective studies of raw and processed African pear (dacryodes edulis var. edulis) in Wistar rats was carried out. A total of 84 Wistar rats were used for the study. The study was conducted in two phases with 42 animals each and 6 rats randomly assigned into seven groups in each phase. The groups were the control and groups fed diets supplemented 15% raw sample, 30% raw sample, 15% roasted sample, 30% roasted sample, 15% boiled sample and 30% boiled sample with normal rats chow accordingly. Water and food were allowed ad libitum to all the groups. At the end of 28 days feeding period, Gastric acid and pH, mucus, pepsin secretion and ulcer studies were done using standard procedures. Results shows significantly (p <0.05) high mean mucus output and gastric juice pH in group fed 30% raw compared to the control other experimental groups.  The ulcer scores in the groups fed 15 % roasted was significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to the control and other experimental groups. The pepsin secretion in the group fed 30 % boiled sample was significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared to the control group and other experimental groups. The basal gastric acid secretion was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups processed sample, compared to the groups fed raw sample and the control group. We therefore conclude that processed African pear contains phytochemical agents that increase gastric secretion probably via H2-histaminergic receptors. Hence, consumption of processed of African pear pulp should be done with caution, while intake of raw pulp should be encouraged.