A Comprehensive Review on the Antioxidant and Antiulcer Potential of Pedalium murex Leaves Extract in Experimental Animal Models

Abstract

Pedalium murex L. (Pedaliaceae), commonly known as "Bada Gokhru" or "Large Caltrops," is a
traditional medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine. The leaves of P.
murex have been traditionally employed for treating gastric ulcers, inflammation, and oxidative stress-
related disorders. This comprehensive review systematically evaluates
the antioxidant and antiulcer potential of Pedalium murex leaf extracts in experimental animal models.
A thorough literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar,
and traditional Ayurvedic texts up to April 2026. Preclinical studies demonstrate that aqueous, ethanolic,
and methanolic leaf extracts exhibit significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity by scavenging free
radicals (DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, nitric oxide), reducing lipid peroxidation (MDA), and restoring
endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx). Regarding antiulcer activity, P. murex leaf
extracts (100-400 mg/kg) show marked ulcer protection in ethanol-, aspirin-, stress-, and pylorus
ligation-induced gastric ulcer models. The antiulcer mechanism involves acid suppression (reduced
gastric volume, acidity, pepsin), cytoprotecting (enhanced mucin, PGE2, NO), and antioxidant defense
(reduced oxidative mucosal damage). The flavonoid-rich fraction (particularly rutin, quercetin, apigenin)
is primarily responsible for both activities. Toxicological studies confirm safety up to 2000 mg/kg. This
review concludes that Pedalium murex leaves possess potent dual antioxidant and antiulcer properties,
warranting clinical translation.