The anti-ulcer effects of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Ficus capensis were evaluated in rats using diclofenac sodium induced-ulcer model. The possible mechanisms of the anti-ulcerogenic effect were explored by determining the antioxidant activity, as well as its effects on some biochemical parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malonaldihyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). The aqueous extract was evaluated for acute toxicity test, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis. The results showed that the extract exhibited significant (P<0.05) and dose- dependent anti-ulcer activity. The percentage ulcer inhibition due to extract at 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg were 25, 41.7 and 43.3% respectively, while that of ranitidine (150mg/kg) was 66.7%. The extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased MDA activity, and increased the activities of CAT, GSH and SOD significantly (P<0.05) when compared to untreated control. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of reducing sugar, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, soluble carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids, hydrogen cyanide, glycosides, terpenoids and fats and oil. The acute toxicity test on the extract showed no death or obvious signs of toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. These findings revealed the potentials of the aqueous extract of Ficus capensis as an anti-ulcerogenic, and as well as antioxidant agent
 

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