Drinking juice from cloves and potatoes could cure stomach, peptic and duodenal ulcers

Drinking juice obtained from cloves and potatoes could provide a new cure for stomach, peptic and duodenal ulcers, Nigerian researchers have found.

Researchers from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State and Bayero University, Kano, Kano State, have found that Syzigium aromaticum (clove extract) exhibits anti-ulcerogenic and anti-secretory effects in rats.

In their study, entitled 'Anti-ulcerogenic and anti-secretory activity of the n- butanol portion of Syzygium aromaticum in rat' and published in Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, they concluded: "the extract proved to possess some phytochemicals, which may contribute to the observed gastric anti-ulcerogenic and anti-secretory activity."

Ipomoea batatas tubers (sweet potato) also could be of assistance as they contain large amounts of antioxidants, which could assist in the healing of the ulcers. The results have been supported by research by scientists at Manchester University, who discovered that potatoes contain unique antibacterial molecules that can treat peptic ulcers.

It is thought that the substance could now go into production as a daily diet supplement. Indigenous drugs have been highlighted as a better way to cure certain conditions because modern medicine is more likely to cause side-effects in certain conditions.

In terms of peptic ulcers, naturopaths have said that indigenous drugs are likely to cause fewer side effects. The studies show that different substances from plant sources not only afford gastro-protection but also accelerate ulcer healing.

The Nigerian researchers wrote, “the data presented here provided scientific evidence that the N-Butanol portion of the ethanolic extract of Syzygium aromaticum (SaBuOH) flower bud may contain biologically active substances with potential anti-ulcer properties. The extract reduced the ulcer index and the preventive index was found to be comparable to cimetidine."

They added: "The results of our study are consistent with those of Giamperi et al. (2004) who reported that grapefruit seed extract showed good gastro-protective anti- ulcer-ogenic activity, and they attributed this effect to the anti-oxidative activity of citrus flavonoids found in grapefruit."

Posted by Ben Evans