the roots of zapoteca portricensis is a common remedy in the treatment gastrointestinal disorders used by tradomedical practitioners in eastern nigeria . this study was aimed at evaluating the possible antiulcer activity of the root of this plant in experimental rats . different groups of albino rats of male sex were given three doses ( 50 , 100 , 200 mg / kg ) of the extract . the ethanol model produced an average ulceration in rats with reduction of ulcer ( 50% , 75% and 90% ) seen in all the extract treatment . a dose dependent inhibition of ulcer was seen in all doses of the extract with doses 100 and 200 mg / kg produced a significant reduction compared with control . in the indomethacin model , inhibition of ulcer ( 57.1% , 65.7% and 80.0% ) was seen in the treatments with the extracts in a dose dependent manner . this study has shown that roots of this plant ( zapoteca portoricensis ) possess potent antiulcer activity .
background : the roots of zapoteca portricensis is a common remedy in the treatment gastrointestinal disorders used by tradomedical practitioners in eastern nigeria.aim:this study was aimed at evaluating the possible antiulcer activity of the root of this plant in experimental rats.methods:a methanolic root extract was prepared by cold maceration . 
 antiulcer activity was tested using absolute ethanol and indomethacin induced ulcer models . 
 sucralfate ( 100 mg / kg oral ) was used as the reference drug . 
 different groups of albino rats of male sex were given three doses ( 50 , 100 , 200 mg / kg ) of the extract . 
 phytochemical analysis of the freshly dried roots was also done.results:phytochemical results revealed presence of alkaloids , terpenoids , glycosides and flavonoids . 
 the ethanol model produced an average ulceration in rats with reduction of ulcer ( 50% , 75% and 90% ) seen in all the extract treatment . 
 a dose dependent inhibition of ulcer was seen in all doses of the extract with doses 100 and 200 mg / kg produced a significant reduction compared with control . in the indomethacin model , 
 an absolute ulceration was produced in all the animals . 
 inhibition of ulcer ( 57.1% , 65.7% and 80.0% ) was seen in the treatments with the extracts in a dose dependent manner . 
 all the three doses of the extracts produced significant ulcer protection compared with control.conclusion:this study has shown that roots of this plant ( zapoteca portoricensis ) possess potent antiulcer activity .