Research on Phlomis grandiflora H.S. Thompson as a treatment for stomach illness in anatolian folk medicine

Phlomis grandiflora is used as folk medicine in Anatolia, against gastric ulcer. In previous studies, the anti-ulcerogenic effects of aqueous, methanol and 80% ethanol extracts of Phlomis grandiflora were determined. In this study, a main extract was prepared with 80% ethanol. Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and the remaining aqueous fraction were separated using the solvent-solvent extraction technique. These five prepared fractions were administered to rats in appropriate doses using the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer technique as orally. Statistically, the chloroform fraction had the most powerful gastroprotective effect (98.88%, p<0.01). In addition, the n-butanol fraction provided significant protection (83.10, p<0.05). The remaining aqueous and hexane fractions were not statistically significant, yet they showed a prominent gastroprotective effect.In vivo test results show that gastroprotection arises from substances of different polarities, dispersed amongst the different fractions. Our findings lead us to belive that gastroprotection may arise from synergistic interactions, similar to other plant-based remedies. However, little is known about Phlomis grandiflora?s chemical, and possibly synergistic, properties. Further, more advanced, studies are required.KeywordsPhlomis grandiflora, anti-ulcerogenic effect, folk medicine.