Oral Administration Of Absolute Ethanol Research Articles

ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITY OF HYDRO-ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF SARACA ASOCA STEM BARK IN RATS

In the present study effort has been made to establish the antiulcer activity of Saraca asoca (Roxb.), De Wild (family-Caesalpinaceae) stem bark hydroalcoholic-extract using ethanol induced ulceration model in albino rats, because no systematic study has been reported for its antiulcer activity. The effect of hydro-alcoholic extract (60:40) of S. asoca bark was investigated by carrying out an acute toxicity study in albino rats to evaluate the antiulcerogenic activity by using ethanol induced gastric ulcer model compared with omeprazole as standard drug. The preliminary photochemical screening of this medicinal plant identified the presence of important secondary metabolites like flavonoids and tannins. Acute toxicity study did not manifest any toxicological signs in rats. Oral administration of absolute ethanol (99.5 %, 5 mL kg -1, p.o.) produced significant ulcers index (41.00 ± 1.75) in the control group. Standard drug omeprazole (40 mL kg -1, p.o.) produced ulcer index (12.17 ± 0.74). Ulcer index (24.17 ± 1.40) is significantly (p<0.001) protected by hydro-alcoholic extract of S. asoca (stem bark) at a dose of 200 mL kg -1, p.o. The present finding suggests that hydro-alcoholic extract of S. asoca (stem bark) promotes ulcer protection activity.

Evaluation of the Antiulcer Activity of Ethanolic Leave Extracts of Saraca indica against Ethanol, Pylorus Ligature and Indomethacin Induced Ulcer in Albino Rats

Background: To evaluate the antiulcer activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Saraca indica against ethanol, pylorus ligature and indomethacin in albino rats. Materials and Methods: Ulcer was produced by ethanol, pylorus ligature and indomethacin in albino rats. Five groups (n=6) of rats were orally pre-treated with carboxymethyl cellulose solution, and ranitidine (80 mg/kg) respectively. In ethanol induced ulcer, the animals were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. ethanolic leave extracts of Saraca indica in 0.3% CMC solution, 60 minutes before oral administration of absolute ethanol to produce gastric mucosal injury. In indomethacin induced ulcer, the drug was administered orally at the dose of 30 mg/kg b.w. After 7-9 hours of administration of indomethacin (30 mg/kg); the animals were sacrificed with high doses of anesthesia. In the pylorus ligature method, volume of free acidity, gastric secretion, pH and total acidity were estimated. In all three models, the ulcer index and % protection were estimated. Results: The anti ulcer activity of ethanolic leave extracts of Saraca indica in ethanol, indomethacin and pylorus ligature models is evident from the significant (P<0.001) reduction in ulcer index. In pylorus ligature model, significant (P<0.001) reduction in total acidity gastric volume and increase in pH were observed when compared with the standard drug. Conclusion: Ethanolic leave extracts of Saraca indica were found to be significantly protective against ethanol, indomethacin and pylorus ligature induced gastric ulcers in the experimental albino rats. The result obtained suggest that ethanolic leave extracts of Saraca indica possesses significant anti-ulcer activity.

Gastroprotective Effects of Betanin Against Ethanol-induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

BackgroundBetanin is the principal pigment and active phytochemical constituent of beetroot. The protective roles of betanin are documented in the heart, kidney, liver, and lung, but its potential gastroprotective effect is not assessed thus far. A number of studies demonstrated that betanin could inhibit lipid peroxidation.ObjectivesThe current study aimed at investigating the gastroprotective effect of betanin in gastric ulcer induced by ethanol.MethodsIn the present study, a group of animals were treated with betanin (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, orally) and the other group received ranitidine as a reference antiulcer agent. One hour later, the gastric mucosal ulceration was induced by oral administration of absolute ethanol and the rats were sacrificed one hour. The gastric ulcers were assessed by macroscopic and histopathological examinations. Also, gastric malondialdehyde (MDA) level and nitric oxide (NO) content were measured.ResultsOral administration of betanin 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight prior to receiving ethanol significantly attenuated the number and length of gastric ulcers as compared to the ethanol group. Moreover, pretreatment with betanin could significantly decrease stomach MDA level and maintain stomach NO content similar to that of the control group. Histopathological examinations indicated that ethanol-induced gastric ulcer was attenuated by betanin and no significant difference was observed between the betanin (200 mg/kg) and ranitidine groups.ConclusionsThe findings indicated that betanin has gastroprotective effects on gastric ulcers, which could be related to attenuated lipid peroxidation and reestablished gastric NO content.

Antiulcer and antiproliferative properties of spent brewer's yeast peptide extracts for incorporation into foods.

The main objective was to study the antiulcer and antiproliferative potential of yeast peptide extract for further incorporation into functional foods. Peptide concentrates were obtained by hydrolysis of spent brewer's yeast proteins followed by a filtration process. In order to prove the possible protection of gastric mucosa, an animal model with ulcerative lesions caused by oral administration of absolute ethanol was used. The peptide fraction <3 kDa was able to reduce gastric injuries to significant levels (p < 0.001) and the effective dose (DE50) was 816 mg per kg bw. The cytoprotective effect appears to depend on a prostaglandin-mediated mechanism and also on a nonspecific mechanism. The antiproliferative activity of the extract in nine different human tumoral cell lines was tested. The results exhibited a promising antiproliferative activity against the cell line K-562 (leukemia). The results suggest that a new peptide extract can be used to develop new value-added functional food products, although further studies are required.

Gastroprotective effect of alpha-pinene and its correlation with antiulcerogenic activity of essential oils obtained from Hyptis species.

Background:Alpha-pinene (α-pinene) is a monoterpene commonly found in essential oils with gastroprotective activity obtained from diverse medicinal plants, including Hyptis species. The genus Hyptis (lamiaceae) consists of almost 400 species widespread in tropical and temperate regions of America. In the north and northeastern Brazil, some Hyptis species are used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disturbances.Objective:The present study has investigated the gastoprotective effect of purified α-pinene in experimental gastric ulcer induced by ethanol and indomethacin in mice.Materials and Methods:Gastric ulcers were induced in male Swiss mice (20-30 g) by oral administration of absolute ethanol or indomethacin 45 min after oral pretreatment with vehicle, standard control drugs or α-pinene (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg). One hour after the ulcerative challenges, the stomach were removed, and gastric lesions areas measured. The effects of α-pinene on the gastric juice acidity were determined by pylorus ligation model. The gastrointestinal motility and mucus depletion were determined by measuring the gastric levels of phenol red and alcian blue, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of gastric mucosa of the experimental groups were used for histology analysis.Results:α-pinene pretreatment inhibited ethanol-induced gastric lesions, reduced volume and acidity of the gastric juice and increased gastric wall mucus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we showed an interesting correlation between concentration of α-pinene and gastroprotective effect of Hyptis species (P Pearson = 0.98).Conclusion:Our data showed that the α-pinene exhibited significant antiulcerogenic activity and a great correlation between concentration of α-pinene and gastroprotective effect of Hyptis species was also observed.

Gastroprotective effect of the traditional herbal medicine, Sipjeondaebo-tang water extract, against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury.

BackgroundSipjeondaebo-tang, a traditional herbal medicine, has been reported to activate the immune response. Although, most research has focused on its anticancer activity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Sipjeondaebo-tang exerts antioxidant activity against ethanol-induced gastric injury.MethodsGastric mucosal injury was induced by the oral administration of absolute ethanol at 5 mL/kg to rats after 18 h fast. Sipjeondaebo-tang water extract (SDTW; 200 mg/kg of body weight) was administered to rats 2 h before the oral administration of absolute ethanol. Gastric mucosal injury was evaluated by measuring the gastric injury, such as extent of lesions, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, glutathione (GSH) content and activities of antioxidant enzymes including catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase in stomach tissue.ResultsOral administration of SDTW markedly decreased the damage by conditioning the gastric mucosa such as hemorrhage, hyperemia. Pretreatment with SDTW significantly reduced MDA concentration and significantly increased GSH content and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. In an acute toxicity study, no adverse effects of SDTW were observed at doses up to 5000 mg/kg/day.ConclusionsSDTW may protect the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced gastric mucosa injury. These results suggested that SDTW might also play an important role in the gastroprotection based on their antioxidant effect.

Gastroprotective effects of the essential oil of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth. on gastric ulcer models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth (Lamiaceae), popularly known as “hortelã-brava” or “hortelã do campo”, is widely distributed in the northeast of Brazil. In Brazil, the leaves of this plant have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disturbances, including gastric ulcers. In an attempt to experimentally validate this claimed antiulcerogenic activity, the gastroprotective effects of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth (EOHc) were evaluated in recognized gastric ulcer models in mice. Materials and methodsEOHc was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Swiss male mice (25–30g) were used for the studies. The gastric ulcers were induced by oral administration of absolute ethanol or indomethacin 45min after oral pretreatment with EOHc, vehicle and positive control drugs. One hour after the ulcerative challenges, the stomachs were removed and the area of the lesions was measured. The volume, pH and total acidity of the gastric secretions were determined using the pylorus ligature model. The gastrointestinal motility was measured using gastric emptying and intestinal transit. The ethanol-induced gastric mucus depletion and lipid peroxidation were also analyzed. ResultsOur findings are as follows: A significant inhibition of gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol was observed in the mice pre-treated with EOHc, at a dose of 30 and 100 and 300mg/kg (5.56±1.51, 2.88±0.82 and 1.71±0.54mm2, respectively) compared to control group (118.03±35.4mm2). Also, EOHc (300mg/kg) produced a gastroprotective effect against the gastric lesions induced by indomethacin (16.07±4.68mm2) compared to control group (38.64±6.1mm2). EOHc pretreatment produced a reduction in the ethanol-induced lipid peroxidation from 3.9±0.22 to 2.4±0.1μmol/mg tissue (EOHc-300mg/kg and control group, respectively). We also observed that EOHc pretreatment decreased the gastric emptying, but did not alter the intestinal transit ratio, ethanol-induced depletion of the gastric wall mucus or secretion parameters (volume, pH and [H+]). ConclusionOur data indicate that EOHc exerts a gastroprotective effect, indicated by its significant inhibition of gastric lesions in ethanol- and indomethacin-induced ulcer models, which may be associated with its accelerating effect on gastric emptying and reduction in oxidative damages. Our data suggest a potential therapeutic application for EOHc in the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Antiulcer and gastric antisecretory effects of dichloromethane fraction and piplartine obtained from fruits of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevancePiper tuberculatum Jacq. (Piperaceae) is medicinally used as an analgesic and as a treatment for gastric complaints. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective and antisecretory properties of the dichloromethane fraction of the fruit of Piper tuberculatum (DFPT) and piplartine, a compound isolated from the DFPT, in rats. Materials and methodsGastric ulcers were induced in fasted rats by oral administration of absolute ethanol and then mucus content and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Mechanisms underlying the antisecretory action were studied through gastric H+,K+-ATPase activity of highly purified rabbit gastric microsomes and pylorus ligature method in rats. ResultsIn the acute toxicity test the values of estimated LD50 for oral and intraperitoneal administration of DFPT were 1.6266 and 0.2684g/kg, respectively. The DFPT (ED50=29mg/kg, p.o.) and piplartine (4.5mg/kg, p.o.) promoted gastroprotection against acute lesions induced by ethanol, effect that could be related with the maintenance of GSH levels in the gastric mucosa. However, only DFPT stimulated gastric mucus secretion. In vitro, the DFPT and piplartine inhibited the H+,K+-ATPase activity and, in vivo DFPT and piplartine also reduced basal gastric acid secretion, as well as that stimulated by pentagastrin. ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that DFPT and piplatine cause marked gastroprotective effects accompanied by the increase and maintenance of gastric mucus and GSH levels, as well as a reduction in gastric acid secretion through the gastrinergic pathway.

Gastroprotective effects of Dicranopteris linearis leaf extract against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Dicranopteris linearis is a medicinal plant commonly used traditionaly in the treatment of many aliments. This study was performed to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of ethanolic extracts of D. linearis leaf extract (DLELE) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in experimental rats. The rats were divided into four groups respectively pre-treated orally with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution (ulcer control groups), omeprazole 20 mg/kg (reference group), 250 and 500 mg/kg of DLELE (experimental groups) one hour before oral administration of absolute ethanol to generate gastric mucosal damage. After an additional hour, the rats were sacrificed and the ulcer areas of the gastric walls were determined. The ulcer control group exhibited severe mucosal injury, whereas groups pre-treated with DLELE exhibited significant protection of gastric mucosa. These findings were also confirmed by histology of gastric wall. Significant increases in gastric mucus production and decrease in acidity of gastric content were observed in treated groups with DLELE compare to ulcer control group. In conclusion, treatment with DLELE prior to absolute alcohol has significantly protect gastric mucosa as ascertained grossly by significant reduction of ulcer area, increases in gastric mucus production and decrease the acidity of gastric content and histology by comparatively decreases in gastric mucosal injury, reduction or absence of edema and leucocytes infiltration of submucosal layer compared to ulcer control group. DLELE was able to decrease the acidity and increase the mucosal defense in the gastric area, thereby justifying its use as an antiulcerogenic agent. Key words: Dicranopteris linearis, cytoprotection, gastric ulcer, mucus, histology.

Formulation and in vivo evaluation of Floating Microspheres of Misoprostal

Prostaglandin (PG) has been reported to be an important protective and acid‐suppressive factor in the gastric mucosa. The objective of the study was to develop and evaluate a stomach specific drug delivery system for controlled release of Misoprostal a PE analogue for gastric ulcer induced NSAIDs. Floating microspheres were prepared by emulsification‐solvent evaporation method using ethylcellulose as a polymer, carbopol as mucoadhesive polymer. Ulcers were induced by the oral administration of absolute ethanol (5 ml/kg) to 24 h fasted Wistar male rats (n =8), weighing 200 g. Sodium bicarbonate solution, misoprostal solution and drug‐loaded microspheres were tested. Formulations were administered orally 1 h before the administration of ethanol. Prior to the oral administration, rats were anesthetized with ethylic ether. After 2 h of ethanol administration, animals were sacrificed; the stomachs were removed, opened along the greater curvature and examined for lesion measurements. Ulcer indexes (UI) were calculated. The in vivo evaluation showed that ulcer index values were 0.61 ± 0.14 for the sodium bicarbonate solution, 0.58 ±0.18 for the misoprostal and 0.11 ± .06 for the misoprostal‐loaded microspheres. The Kruskal‐Wallis test detected statistical differences (p =0.002) between the ulcer indexes. The multiple analyses (Student‐Newman‐Keuls) showed that the misoprostal loaded micro particles presented a gastric ulcer index statistically lower than the sodium bicarbonate solution (p = 0.001) and the misoprostal solution (p = 0.021). The percentages of ulceration inhibition were 31 and 75% after the administration of misoprostal solution and microspheres, respectively. In conclusion, the in vivo evaluation showed that the microspheres presented ulcer index lower than the solutions, showing that misoprostal‐loaded microparticles were efficient in protecting the stomach against ulcer formation.

Yijin-tang, an oriental herbal formula reduces ethanol-induced acute gastric injury in rats

Protective effects of Yijin-tang extract (YTE) were investigated on ethanol-induced acute gastric injury. Simultaneous determination of six components, homogentisic aicd, liquiritin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, poncirin, and glycyrrhizin was performed in YTE by high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode. Acute gastric lesion was induced by oral administration of absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg). The positive control (omeprazole, 50 mg/kg) and YTE groups (200 and 400 mg/kg) were administered by oral gavage 2 h prior to ethanol treatment. The animals were sacrificed 1 h after receiving ethanol treatment. Acute toxicity study was performed to evaluate the safety of YTE. YTE protected gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced acute gastric injury including hemorrhage and hyperemia. YTE reduced the elevated lipid peroxidation of stomach and increased the activities of antioxidant enzyme. In the acute toxicity study, YTE did not cause any toxic effect at the dose level of 2000 mg/kg in rats. These results showed that YTE protects gastric mucosa from ethanolinduced acute gastric injury via increasing the antioxidant status. We suggest that YTE has a potential as a therapeutic agent for acute gastric injury.

IN VIVO EVALUATION OF MISOPROSTOL FLOATING MICROSPHERES

Prostaglandin (PG) has been reported to be an important protective and acid suppressive factor in the gastric mucosa. The objective of the study was to develop and evaluate a stomach specific drug delivery system for controlled release of Misoprostal a PE analogue for gastric ulcer induced NSAIDs. Floating microspheres were prepared by emulsification-solvent evaporation method using ethyl cellulose as a polymer, carbopol as mucoadhesive polymer. Ulcers were induced by the oral administration of absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg) to 24 h fasted Wistar male rats (n=8), weighing 200 g. Sodium bicarbonate solution, misoprostal solution and drug loaded microspheres were tested. Formulations were administered orally lh before the administration of ethanol. Prior to the oral administration, rats were anesthetized with ethylic ether. After 2 h of ethanol administration, animals were sacrificed; the stomachs were removed, opened along he greater curvature and examined for lesion measurements. Ulcer indexes (UI) were calculated. The in vivo evaluation showed that ulcer index values were 0.61 ± 0.14 for the sodium bicarbonate solution, 0.58 ±0.18 for the misoprostal and 0.11 ± 0.06 for the misoprostal-loaded microspheres. The Kruskal¬Wallis test detected statistical differences (p =0.002) between the ulcer indexes. The multiple analyses (Student-Newman-Keuls) showed that the misoprostal loaded microspheres presented a gastric ulcer index statistically lower than that of the sodium bicarbonate solution (p = 0.001) and the misoprostal solution (p = 0.021). The percentages of ulceration inhibition were 31 and 75% after the administration of misoprostal solution and microspheres, respectively. In conclusion, the in vivo evaluation showed that the microspheres presented ulcer index lower than the solutions, showing that misoprostal-loaded microspheres were efficient in protecting the stomach against ulcer formation. Key words: Misoprostal, microspheres, ulcer index,

Protective Effects of the Traditional Herbal Formula Oryeongsan Water Extract on Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats

This study was performed to evaluate the protective effect and safety of Oryeongsan water extract (OSWE) on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury and an acute toxicity study in rats. Acute gastric lesions were induced via intragastric oral administration of absolute ethanol at a dose of 5 mL/kg. OSWE (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered to rats 2 h prior to the oral administration of absolute ethanol. The stomach of animal models was opened and gastric mucosal lesions were examined. Gastric mucosal injuries were evaluated by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In the acute toxicity study, no adverse effects of OSWE were observed at doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day. Administration of OSWE reduced the damage by conditioning the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced acute gastric injury, which included hemorrhage, hyperemia, and loss of epithelial cells. The level of MDA was reduced in OSWE-treated groups compared with the ethanol-induced group. Moreover, the level of GSH and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased in the OSWE-treated groups. Our findings suggest that OSWE has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced acute gastric injury via the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes.

The Effects of Combined Adiponectin-Metformin on Glucose and Lipids Levels in Mice and Acute Toxicity and Anti-Ulcerogenic Activity of Adiponectin Against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injuries in Rat

Adiponectin is a protein hormone secreted entirely by abdominal fat tissue. It exhibits various biological activities. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of metformin alone or in combination with adiponectin on blood glucose, TG (triglyceride), CHOL (Total cholesterol), LDL (Low density lipoprotein) and HDL (High density lipoprotein) levels in mice and also to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic activity of adiponectin against ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Three groups of mice were gavaged with 1% volume/body weight high fat-sucrose. Metformin at a dosage of 250 mg/kg was added to the feed and a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg adiponectin was injected intraperitoneally (i.p). Blood glucose was measured at one hour intervals for five hours. Blood concentrations of TG, CHOL, LDL and HDL were also measured at the end of the fifth hour of the experiment. On the other hand, four groups of adult healthy rats were i.p. injected with distilled water, omeprazole 20 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg adiponectin one hour before oral administration of absolute ethanol to generate gastric mucosal injury. After an additional hour the rats were sacrificed and the ulcer areas of the gastric walls were determined. Furthermore, an acute toxicity study has indicated no mortality with 5 mg/kg dose of adiponectin injected i.p in rats and no major clinical signs of toxicity were observed. The results indicate that the effect of a combination of metformin and adiponectin on blood glucose and HDL is quite effective. Histology of the gastric wall of negative control rats revealed severe damage of gastric mucosa, along with edema and leucocyte infiltration of the submucosal layer compared to rats pre-treated with either omeprazole or adiponectin extract where there was marked gastric protection along with reduction or inhibition of edema and leucocytes infiltration. The results suggest that combination of metfomin and adiponectin give a promising antidiabetic effect and also, adiponectin promotes ulcer protection as ascertained by the comparative decrease of ulcer areas, reduction of edema and leucocytes infiltration of the submucosal layer.

Cytoprotective effects of Bauhinia purpurea leaf extract against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal ulcer in rats

Bauhinia purpurea is a medicinal plant commonly used traditionaly in the treatment of many ailments. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of ethanolic extracts of B. purpurea ethanolic leaf extract (BPELE) against absolute ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in experimental rats. The rats were divided into four groups, respectively pre-treated orally with carboxymethyl cellulose solution (ulcer control groups), omeprazole 20 mg/kg (reference group), 250 and 500 mg/kg of BPELE (experimental groups) 1 h before oral administration of absolute ethanol to generate gastric mucosal damage. After an additional hour, the rats were sacrificed and the ulcer areas of the gastric walls were determined. The ulcer control group exhibited severe mucosal injury, whereas groups pre-treated with B. purpureaethanolic leaf extract exhibited significant protection of gastric mucosal damage. These findings were also confirmed by histology of gastric wall. Significant increases in gastric mucus production and decrease in acidity of gastric content were observed in treated groups with BPELE compare to ulcer control group. These results concluded that the treatment with BPELE prior to absolute alcohol has significantly protect gastric mucosa as ascertained grossly by significant reduction of ulcer area,increases in gastric mucus production and deecrease the acidity of gastric content and histology by comparatively decreases in gastric mucosal damage, reduction or absence of edema and leucocytes infiltration of submucosal layer compared to ulcer control group. BPELE was able to decrease the acidity and increase the mucosal defense in the gastric area thereby justifying its use as an antiulcerogenic agent. Key words: Bauhinia purpurea, cytoprotection, gastric ulcer, mucosal defense, histology.

Anti-ulcerogenic activity of Typhonium flagelliforme aqueous leaf extract against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Typhonium flagelliforme (Araceae) is an indigenous medicinal plant of Malaysiawhich is endowed with curative properties against a variety of illness including injuries, oedema, coughs, pulmonary ailments, bleeding and cancer. In this study,T. flagelliforme aqueous leaf extract was used to investigate its gastroprotective effect in adult Sprague Dawley rats which were divided into four groups. The rats were orally pre-treated with sterile distilled water (ulcer control groups), omeprazole 20 mg/kg (reference group), 250 and 500 mg/kg of T. flagelliforme(experimental groups) one hour before oral administration of absolute ethanol to generate gastric mucosal injury. After an additional hour, the rats were sacrificed and the ulcer areas of the gastric walls were determined. The ulcer control group exhibited severe mucosal injury, whereas groups pre-treated with T. flagelliforme extracts exhibited significant protection of gastric mucosal injury. These finding were also confirmed by histological studies. These results suggest that T. flagelliforme promotes ulcer protection as ascertained grossly by significant reduction of ulcer area and histology by comparatively decreases in ulcer areas, reduction or absence of edema and leucocytes infiltration of submucosal layer compared to ulcer control group. Key words: Typhonium flagelliforme, rodent tuber, gastric ulcer, histology, aqueous extract.

Antiulcerogenic activity of peptide concentrates obtained from hydrolysis of whey proteins by proteases from Cynara cardunculus

Peptide concentrates generated by hydrolysis of whey with aqueous extracts of flowers of Cynara cardunculus were studied for possible protection of the stomach mucosa against ulcerative lesions caused by oral administration of absolute ethanol. Both the whole peptide fraction obtained via hydrolysis of whey protein concentrate (peptide concentrate, PepC) and its fraction below 3 kDa (PepCF) were able to reduce gastric injuries to significant levels ( p < 0.05). Single-dose experiments, using 100 mg kg −1 body weight (bw) of either PepCF or PepC, led to 68.5% and 37.4% protection, respectively – which compare well with 93.4% protection by 200 mg kg −1 bw carbenoxolone (a positive control). No dose-response correlation could be demonstrated. Gastric cytoprotection by PepCF appears to depend on sulphydryl-containing moieties, whereas PepC likely protects the gastric mucosa via the prostaglandin cycle and production of nitric oxide.

Enhancement of gastric ulcer by Areca catechu nut in ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injuries in rats

Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae) nuts have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of different diseases. The present study was performed to investigate the enhancement of ulcerogenic activity of ethanol extract from nuts of A. catechu in ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Four groups of adult Sprague Dawley rats were orally pre-treated respectively with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution (ulcer control group), omeprazole 20 mg/kg (reference group), 250 and 500 mg/kg A. catechu nut extract in CMC solution (experimental groups) one hour before oral administration of absolute ethanol to generate gastric mucosal injury. After an additional hour, the rats were sacrificed and the ulcer areas of the gastric walls were determined. Grossly, the experimental groups exhibited significantly severe gastric mucosal injury compared to ulcer control group. Histological studies of the gastric wall revealed that experimental groups exhibited comparatively severe damage of gastric mucosa; along with edema and leucocytes infiltration of submucosal layer compared to ulcer control group. In conclusions, the present finding suggests that A. catechu nut extract enhanced ulcer production as ascertained grossly by significant increasing ulcer area, and histologically by comparatively increases in ulcer areas compared to ulcer control group.

Evaluation of gastroprotective effects of Strobianthes crispus leaf extract on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats.

The anti-ulcerogenic activity of Strobianthes crispus leaf extract was evaluated against ethanol-induced mucosal injury in rats. Five groups of Sprague Dawley rats were pre-treated respectively with: vehicle, distilled water (ulcer control), omeprazole (20 mg kg-1, reference control), 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg S. crispusleaf extracts (experimental groups), 60 min prior to oral administration of absolute ethanol to generate gastric mucosal injury. Sixty minutes later, rats were sacrificed and gastric content, mucus and wall samples collected. Grossly, ulcer control rats exhibited severe injury to the gastric mucosa and decreased gastric mucus content pH of gastric content, whereas rats pre-treated with S. crispus leaf extracts resulted in significantly dose-dependent reduction of gastric lesion formation accompanied by significant increase in gastric mucus production and pH of gastric fluid. Gastric protection was more prominent in 1000 mg/kg of S. crispus-treated group. Histology, ulcer control rats showed the most severe and deepest gastric mucosal necrotic damage, with edema and leukocyte infiltration of the submucosal layer compared to experimental and reference control groups. Thus, our data suggest that the ulcer protective activity of S. crispus may be due to its defensive mucin secretion and increase in pH of gastric content, and less mucosal injury, no edema and leucocytes infiltration of submucosa. Furthermore, acute toxicity study has indicated no mortality with 5 g/kg dose of S. crispus in Sprague Dawley and did not produce any major clinical signs of toxicity. Key words: Anti-ulcer, Strobianthes crispus leaf, acute toxicity, histology.

Evaluation of anti-ulcer activity of Samanea saman (Jacq) merr bark on ethanol and stress induced gastric lesions in albino rats

Objective:To evaluate the antiulcer activity of Samanea saman (Jacq) Merr bark on ethanol and stress induced gastric lesions in albino rats.Materials and Methods:Gastric lesions were induced in rats by oral administration of absolute ethanol (5 ml/kg) and stress induced by water immersion. The antiulcer activity of methanolic extract of Samanea saman (Jacq) Merr bark (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) was compared with standard drugs. The parameters studied were ulcer index, gastric juice volume, pH, free acidity and total acidity.Result:Samanea saman (Jacq) Merr showed a dose dependent curative ratio compared to ulcer control groups. The extract at 400 mg/kg showed significant anti ulcer activity which is almost equal to that of the standard drug in both models. The volume of acid secretion, total and free acidity was decreased and pH of the gastric juice was increased compared to ulcer control group.Conclusions:The present study indicates that Samanea saman (Jacq) Merr bark extracts have potential anti ulcer activity.