Newly Developed Antiulcer Capsules Based on Gaertnera phanerophlebia Baker (RUBIACEAE)

Gaertnera phanerophlebia Baker (Tsitsirontafika) is an endemic and medicinal shrub belonging to the RUBIACEAE family in Madagascar. Ethnobotanical studies have revealed its uses in treating war wounds during the colonial period. In the folk medicine, a decoction of the plant was used to treat pain and fever. An earlier study showed that an oral administration of 100 mg/kg of the aerial part extract to rats resulted in a high percentage of inhibition and curative ability against gastric ulcer formation without side effects. Based on these results, G. phanerophlebia extract was formulated into capsules and evaluated for its organoleptic, physicochemical and anti-ulcer properties according to European Pharmacopoeia standards. Gastrointestinal disorders are becoming one of the world’s growing public health problems but many antiulcer medications are expensive and cause serious side effects. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop new, effective and affordable herbal gastric antiulcer capsules. The results confirmed the appropriate formulation of the plant extract as an active ingredient of gastric ulcering treatment. The obtained capsules are safe and an excellent antioxidant. It is also stable, non-toxic, complied to the good manufacturing practices with satisfactory physicochemical and pharmacotechnical qualities. All of values were found to be within acceptable limits. The weight variation test was successful. The excipients and extracts do not interact. Based on the findings achieved, this new herbal anti-ulcer remedy can be considered an improved traditional remedy for treating gastric ulcers. However, clinical trials are necessary before commercialization.