Hylocereus undatus a natural remedy for the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers: A scientific evaluation

In the present study, preventive and curative effect of dragon fruit pulp (DFP) was assessed on ethanol and indomethacin induced gastric ulcer models in Wistar rats. DFP (1:4 dilution with distilled water) was administered orally, in three different doses (2 ml, 4 ml and 8 ml per kg body weight). Dose dependent response was evident for both preventive and curative activity. Dose of 8 ml/kg body weight elicited 50.12% curative (antiulcer) effect in indomethacin induced gastric ulcer models, alongside 77.98% of protection was observed in ethanol induced gastric ulcer model comparable to those of standard drugs Sucralfate and Omeprazole which marked 50.20% curative and 78.88% protection respectively. Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) contains notable concentration of iron (1.9 mg/100g) content, dietary fibre (3.1%), essential minerals, vitamins, high water content (83%) rendering its significant contribution in promoting gut health. Results of the present study revealed that DFP may be potential natural remedy to prevent and cure gastric ulcers in its natural form.