Aqueous Extract of Capsicum Frutescens Exhibits Saturation Phenomenon in Gastric Acid Secretion

Abstract

The effects of orally ingested substances on gastric function have been the subject of human investigation almost since the discovery of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice by Prout in 1824. Capsicum frutescens is a ubiquitous spice widely consumed in Nigeria, West Africa and many parts of the world. A few studies have been done in Nigeria on Capsicum frutescens but not much has been known on its effect on gastric acid secretion. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Capsicum frutescens on gastric acid secretion. 48 male and female albino Wistar rats weighing between 200-300 g were randomly allocated to 6 groups with 8 rats per group. Aqueous extract of Capsicum frutescens prepared after the method of Alnaqueeb (1996) was administered through a gastric fistula at the fundus. 10%, 20%, 30% of LD ₅₀ and supramaximal doses of 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 70mg and 80mg per 100g body weight of the aqueous extract were administered.  Gastric acid was measured after the method of Ghosh and S child 1958 as modified by Ibu (1987). The result of gastric acid secretion on administration of 10% of LD ₅₀ dose in mmol/L/hour for basal acid output (BAO) was 16.2± 0.01 and was 13.7 ± 0.12, 15.4 ± 0.07, 16.2 ± 0.06, 18.1 ± 0.04, 18.6 ± 0.03, 18.6 ± 0.10 at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 minutes respectively. It was observed that gastric acid secretion increased stepwise and was time dependent rising to a crescendo between 50 and 70 minutes. Thereafter the secretory response rose to a plateau. Similar responses occurred at all doses studied, indicating saturation phenomenon of the secretory capacity of the stomach. It is concluded that Capsicum frutescens exhibits saturation phenomenon in gastric acid secretion in the albino Wistar rat.