Study of anti-inflammatory and healing effects of Achillea millefolium in the treatment of indomethacin-induced gasthic ulcer in rat

Abstract Background: According to numerous sources, the plant "Achillea millefolium" is used for various ailments, mainly for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or tonically for the healing of wounds. Objective: In this research, the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract (8:2V/V) of the plant Achillea millefolium on the treatment of gastric ulcer and possible hepatotoxicity of the plant in rat were studied. Methods: Hydro-alcoholic extraction of the plant was carried out using maceration, followed by concentrating under vacuum. Gastric ulcer in rat was induced by oral administration of indomethacin suspension (30mg/kg) in 1% carboxy methyl cellulose following 72 hours of fastin. Hydro-alcoholic extract of the plant was orally administrated as a single dose but in different concentrations of 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg for 14 days following induction of gastric ulcer in rats. At the end of the experimental period, animals were killed and the stomachs were examined both macroscopically and microscopically. Findings: All different concentration of Achillea millefolium were effective in treating of gastric ulcer specially those with concentrations of 500,1000 and 1500 mg/kg which showed to be the most effective ones. The extract with concentration of 500 mg/kg was considered to be the most effective dose in treatment as no liver disorder was observed. Conclusion: Achillea millefolium is a suitable preparation in treatment of gastric ulcer.