Abstract

Nowadays, the surge of consumption of herbal supplements is encouraged by several factors, including the common belief that all herbal products are relatively safe and effective. The present investigation explores the effects of methanolic extract of Quercus infectoria bark upon rat blood lipid profile, glycemia, inflammation, gastric ulcer and bacterial growth. After one month of chronic extract (0.5%, w/v) intake via drinking water, there was a significant increase in serum HDL-cholesterol level. This was accompanied with an increase in both serum glucose and insulin levels. No significant changes were observed in other lipid parameters studied. Liver enzyme activities as well as urea and creatinine levels were not negatively affected. Extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight exhibited substantial anti-inflammatory effects in cases of acute and chronic inflammation induced by carrageenan and formalin respectively. Pre-treatment of fasted rats with the extract (100 and 500 mg/kg body weight) also demonstrated significant protection against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. Antibacterial activity against Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter braaki, and Staphylococcus aureusmethicillin resistant and sensitive was also noticed. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the methanolic extract of Q. infectoria bark provides an inexpensive and powerful source of herbal supplement used to treat various conditions.

Key words:  Glycemia, inflammation, lipids, Quercus infectoria, ulcer.