ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF GRACILARIA DURA (AG.) J.AG. (RED SEAWEED) IN HARE ISLAND, THOOTHUKUDI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

The potential of methanolic extract of Gracilaria dura (Ag.) J.Ag. (Rhodophyceae) collected from Hare Island,Thoothukudi in the south east coast of Tamil Nadu, India was studied in aspirin induced ulceration in Wistar albino rats. Anti-ulcer activity was determined by measuring ulcer index and percentage of ulcer healing. The methanolic extract of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of Gracilaria dura (Ag.) J.Ag. showed significant anti-ulcer activity as evidenced by the data obtained. Among the two concentrations evaluated, 400mg/kg methanolic extract showed more effective compared to 200mg/kg. The present experimental study suggested that the methanolic extract of Gracilaria dura (Ag.) J.Ag. would be helpful for treating peptic ulcers.