Pylorus Ligation-induced Gastric Ulcer Research Articles

Investigating the Protective Effect of Leaves of Calotropis procera (Aiton) for In-vivo Anti-oxidant and Antiulcer Activity using Pylorus Ligation Method

Background: Calotropis procera (Aiton) (Apocynaceae) is a traditional Indian medicinal plant and used in folk medicine for the past decade for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore the current investigation was undertaken to explore the gastroprotective effect of C. procera (Aiton) leaves extract using pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Methods: The crude powder material was successively extracted with different solvents and concentrated at reduced pressure in a rotary evaporator. The current investigation was carried out by a pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Omeprazole, 20 mg/kg and 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg ethanol extract of C. procera (Aiton) leaves were administered orally for 15 consecutive days, on the last day six hours after pylorus ligation animals were sacrificed and the amount of gastric juice, pH, total and free acidity, ulcer index, and pro-inflammatory cytokines along with antioxidant parameters and total protein were also studied. Results: Pretreatment of C. procera (Aiton) leaf extract at the doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, significantly (p < 0.001) decrease the volume of gastric juice, free and total acidity as well as gastric lesions, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine. On the other hand, the pH of gastric juice, mucin content, and total protein was also significantly decreased. Moreover, pretreatment of C. procera (Aiton) significantly (p < 0.001) boost the enzymatic activity and level of different antioxidant markers and attenuated the pylorus ligation-induced level of MDA (p < 0.05) in experimental animals. Conclusion: From this study, it is concluded that the ethanol leaf extract of C. procera (Aiton) extract possess considerable antiulcer and antioxidant potential. For further research findings, it is necessary to explore the mechanism of action for anti-ulcer activity.

Evaluation of Anti-Ulcer and Anti-Diarrhoeal Activities of the Ayurvedic Formulation Udumbara Ghanasatwa

Udumbara Ghanasatwa is a classical Ayurvedic formulation prescribed for the treatment of gastritis, indigestion and diarrhoea without any scientific validation of its pharmacological action. The present study investigated the antiulcer activity of Udumbara Ghanasatwa at two graded doses by pylorus ligation model in rats. The anti-diarrhoeal activity was also evaluated in terms of the defecation amount/frequency as well as intestinal fluid enteropooling in castor oil induced diarrhoea. The Ghanasatwa exerted significant protective effects in both pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer and castor oil induced diarrhoeal models in a dose-dependent manner. Findings obtained in the study justified the clinical applications of Udumbara Ghanasatwa in the treatment of gastric ulcers and diarrhoea. These pharmacological effects exerted by Ghanasatwa may be attributed to the antioxidant phytoconstituents like flavonoids and tannins present in it.

(-)-Carveol Prevents Gastric Ulcers via Cytoprotective, Antioxidant, Antisecretory and Immunoregulatory Mechanisms in Animal Models.

Background: (-)-Carveol (p-Mentha-6,8-dien-2-ol) is a monocyclic monoterpenic alcohol, present in essential oils of plant species such as Cymbopogon giganteus, Illicium pachyphyllum and in spices such as Carum carvi (cumin). Pharmacological studies report its antitumor, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, vasorelaxant, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.Hypothesis/Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute non-clinical oral toxicity, gastroprotective activity of monoterpene (-)-Carveol in animal models and the related mechanisms of action.Methods: Acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD guide 423 in mice. Ethanol, stress, NSAIDs and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models were used to investigate antiulcer properties. The related mechanisms of action were using the ethanol-gastric lesions protocol.Results: (-)-Carveol has low toxicity, with a lethal dose 50% (LD50) equal to or greater than 2,500 mg/kg according to OECD guide nº 423. In all gastric ulcer induction methods evaluated, (-)-Carveol (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the ulcerative lesion in comparison with the respective control groups. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective activity, the antisecretory or neutralizing of gastric secretion, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunoregulatory effects were evaluated. In the experimental protocol of pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer, (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) reduced (p < 0.001) the volume of gastric secretion in both routes (oral and intraduodenal). The previous administration of blockers NEM (sulfhydryl groups blocker), L-NAME (nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor), glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker) and indomethacin (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor), significantly reduced the gastroprotection exercised by (-)-Carveol, suggesting the participation of these pathways in its gastroprotective activity. In addition, treatment with (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) increased (p < 0.001) mucus adhered to the gastric wall. Treatment also increased (p < 0.001) levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). It also reduced (p < 0.001) malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels.Conclusion: Thus, it is possible to infer that (-)-Carveol presents gastroprotective activity related to antisecretory, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms.

Estragole prevents gastric ulcers via cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunoregulatory mechanisms in animal models

BackgroundEstragole is an aromatic organic compound belonging to the class of phenylpropanoids derived from cinnamic aldehydes and present in essential oils of plant species, such asRavensara anisata (madeira), Ocimum basilicum (manjericão/alfavaca) and Croton zehntneri (canelinha). Pharmacological studies report its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and vasorelaxant activity. Hypothesis/PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the acute non-clinical toxicity, gastroprotective activity and the related mechanisms of action. MethodsAcute toxicity was assessed according to OECD guide 423 in mice. Ethanol, stress, piroxicam and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models were used to investigate antiulcer properties. The related mechanisms of action were using the ethanol-gastric lesions protocol. ResultsIn the acute oral toxicity assay, doses of 300 or 2000 mg/kg of estragole administered orally in Swiss mice did not induce any behavioral changes. However, the dose of 2000 mg/kg showed a decrease in water and feed intake. Lethal dose 50 % (LD50) was set to be equal to or greater than 2500 mg/kg, according to OECD. In all evaluated protocols, estragole (31.25, 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg) significantly reduced the area of ​​ulcerative lesion when compared to control groups. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective activity, the antisecretory or neutralizing of gastric secretion, cytoprotectant, antioxidant and immunoregulatory effects were evaluated. Results showed that treatment with estragole (250 mg/kg) reduced (p < 0.05) the volume of the gastric juice. Besides, sulfhydryl groups, nitric oxide, mucus and prostaglandins seems to be involved in the gastroprotective property. Treatment also increased (p < 0.001) levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and positive cells marked for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). It also reduced (p < 0.001) malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p < 0.05) levels. ConclusionThus, it is possible to infer that estragole presents gastroprotective activity related to antisecretory, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms.

Study of aqueous leaf extracts of Spondias mombin Linn. (Anacardiaceae) in gastric ulcer models and the possible mechanisms of action

Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) commonly known as ̒yellow mombin̕ is a multipurpose herb cultivated in parts of the Brazilian Northeast for its edible fruits, oil and leaves. The bark is used to carve figures and the leaves and roots used as medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Spondias mombin Linn. on gastric ulcers. The effect was evaluated in ibuprofen, alcohol and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models. The extract was administered orally at three different doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The antiulcer activity was accessed in rats by comparing the ulcer index in the test group with that of the control (distilled water) and standard (omeprazole, misoprostol) groups. The involvements of endogenous nitric oxide, prostaglandins and non-protein sulfhydryl groups in the cytoprotective action of Spondias mombin L. were also investigated. The extract showed a significant (p&lt;0.05, p&lt;0.01, p&lt; 0.001) antisecretory and gastric cytoprotective effects in pylorus ligation, alcohol and ibuprofen-induced ulcer model respectively. Antioxidant analysis showed significant scavenging of free radical using nitric oxide, reducing power activity and DPPH assay. Spondias mombin L. showed presence of flavonoids, tannins, reducing sugar, cardiac glycosides and terpenes. The experiment suggests a possible participation of NO synthase and NP-SH pathways in the gastroprotective effect of Spondias mombin.

Protective roles of Vigna subterranea (Bambara nut) in rats with aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury

ObjectiveVigna subterranea is widely consumed as a traditional staple food in Nigeria and some West African countries. The ethanolic seed extract of V. subterranea (EEVS) was investigated for its gastroprotective effects on aspirin plus pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcerated rats using an in vivo assay. MethodsGastric mucosal ulceration was induced experimentally in Groups 2 to 5 using aspirin plus pylorus ligation. Rats in Group 1 were orally pretreated with 3% Tween 80 only as normal control. Groups 2 to 5 were pretreated with 3% Tween 80 (ulcer group), 20 mg/kg of omeprazole (positive group), and 200 and 400 mg/kg of EEVS (experimental groups), respectively, once daily for 21 days before ulcer induction. Parameters including those for gastric secretions, ulcerated areas and gastric wall histology were assessed. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the gastric tissue homogenate were also determined. ResultsPretreatment with EEVS significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the ulcer index, gastric volume and total acidity in rats with aspirin plus pylorus ligation-induced ulcer. The pH and mucus of gastric content increased significantly (P < 0.05) while the levels of SOD and GPX were observed to be elevated with a reduced amount of MDA. Significant severe gastric mucosal injury was exhibited in the ulcer group and EEVS or omeprazole offered significant (P < 0.05) protection against mucosal ulceration. Histologically, the gastric submucosal layer showed remarkable decrease in edema and leucocytes infiltration compared with ulcer group. ConclusionThe study suggests that EEVS offered a protective action against aspirin plus pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats. The protective effect might be mediated via antisecretory, cytoprotective and antioxidative mechanisms.

Gastroprotective activity of polysaccharide from Hericium erinaceus against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesion and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer, and its antioxidant activities

The gastroprotective activity of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide was investigated in rats. The antioxidant activities were also evaluated. Pre-treatment of polysaccharide could reduce ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesion and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer. The polysaccharide exhibited scavenging activities of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrozyl and hydroxyl radicals, and ferrous ion-chelating ability. In the pylorus ligation-induced model, gastric secretions (volume of gastric juice, gastric acid, pepsin and mucus) of ulcer rats administrated with polysaccharide were regulated. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins-1β in serum, and myeloperoxidase activity of gastric tissue were reduced, while antioxidant status of gastric tissue was improved. Defensive factors (nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, epidermal growth factor) in gastric tissue were increased. These results indicate that Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide possess gastroprotective activity, and the possible mechanisms are related to its regulations of gastric secretions, improvements of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant status, as well as increments of defensive factors releases.

Protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Ruta graveolens Linn. leaves on indomethacin and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats

BackgroundThe search for an ideal and new antiulcer drug has been extended to herbals for novel molecules that decrease the incidence of relapse and afford better protection. ObjectiveThe present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Ruta graveolens (RGE) Linn. leaves on indomethacin (IND) and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats. Materials and methodsThe rats of all the six groups were deprived of food for 24 h. Then, the first group received 1 ml/kg/day p.o. of 1% carboxymethylcellulose calcium (CMC), second group 1 ml/kg/day p.o. of 1% CMC and third group 20 mg/kg/day p.o. of IND. Fourth and fifth groups received RGE 200 and 400 mg/kg/day p.o., respectively; while the sixth group 10 mg/kg/day p.o. omeprazole. After 30 min, last three groups received 20 mg/kg/day p.o. of IND also. All these treatments after food deprivation were repeated each day for 5 consecutive days. Pylorus ligation was performed on 6th day in last five groups. After 4 h, stomach by sacrifice of the rats was examined for ulcer index (UI) and gastric mucus. Gastric juice was assessed for acidity, pH and pepsin; while gastric tissues were assessed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH). ResultsFifth group showed significant decrease in UI (10.33 ± 0.67), TBARS (0.33 ± 0.03 mmol/mg), free acidity (48.78 ± 5.12 meq/l/100 g), total acidity (99.33 ± 9.31 meq/l/100 g), and pepsin activity (8.47 ± 0.41 μg/ml) levels while it showed significant increase in mucus (412.4 ± 21.6 μg/g), GSH (57.9 ± 4.8 mmol/mg) and pH (3.32 ± 0.27) compared to third group. Percent protection in RGE 400 mg was found to be 63.32 compared to indomethacin. ConclusionRGE possesses antiulcerogenic activity as it exhibits protective effect on gastric ulcer in rats.

Arbortristoside-A and 7-O-trans-cinnamoyl-6β-hydroxyloganin isolated from Nyctanthes arbortristis possess anti-ulcerogenic and ulcer-healing properties

Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn (Oleaceae) is widely distributed in sub-Himalayan regions and southwards to Godavari, India commonly known as Harsingar and Night Jasmine. In continuation of our drug discovery program on Indian medicinal plants, we isolated arbortristoside-A (AT) and 7-O-trans-cinnamoyl-6β-hydroxyloganin (6-HL) from the seeds of N. arbortristis. AT and 6-HL exhibited anti ulcer activity in experimentally induced ulcer models including cold restraint stress (CRU), alcohol (AL), pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer (PL) models and they also showed ulcer healing effect in chronic acetic acid-induced ulcer model (AC).

The ameliorative effect of fisetin, a bioflavonoid, on ethanol-induced and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Fisetin, a tetrahydroxy flavone, exhibits many biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. The aim of present study was to unravel the therapeutic potential of fisetin at a dose of 10, 20, 30 mg/kg, per oral (p.o.), in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer. Omeprazole (20 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug. In ethanol-induced ulcer, after the pretreatment period of 1 hr gastric ulcer was induced with absolute ethanol at a dose of 8 ml/kg (p.o.), where as in pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer; after the pretreatment period of 1 hr ulcer was induced by tight ligation of pylorus portion of stomach. In the pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model there was a significant reduction in the ulcer area as well as the total volume, free acidity and total acidity and increase in the pH of gastric content along with the mucous production were found. There was a significant decrease in ulcer area and significant increase in the mucosal production in the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Fisetin significantly lowered the level of lipid peroxidase, neutrophil infiltration along with gastric mucosal nitrite in both models of the gastric ulcer. The present findings elucidate the therapeutic value of fisetin in the prevention of experimental gastric ulcer by virtue of its antioxidant mechanism. Key words: Antioxidant, antiulcer, fisetin, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide

Different Antiulcer Activities of Pantoprazole in Stress, Alcohol and Pylorus Ligation-Induced Ulcer Models

Antiulcer effects of pantoprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor, on water-immersion restraint stress (WIRS)-, alcohol (ethanol)- and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcers were investigated in male rats. Rats were orally administered with pantoprazole 30 min prior to exposure to various types of ulcer inducers. In stress-induced ulcer model, rats were subjected to WIRS at 22℃ for 4 hours, and the degree of ulcer (in mm) was evaluated. In alcohol-induced ulcer model, rats were orally administered with pure (100%) ethanol (1 mL/kg), and the ulcer lesions were measured 1 hour after ethanol challenge. In pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model, rats were subjected to pylorus ligation, and the degree of erosions and ulcers was scored 17 hours after the operation. Pantoprazole attenuated the ulcer lesions induced by WIRS in a dose-dependent manner, exhibiting a median effective dose (ED50) value of 0.78 mg/kg. By comparison, pantoprazole was effective at relatively-high doses for the improvement of ethanol-induced ulcers, showing an ED50 value of 20.5 mg/kg. Notably, pantoprazole was practically ineffective (ED50>50.0) in pylorus ligation model. Taken together, it was confirmed that pantoprazole showed inhibitory activity on gastric ulcers induced by stress and alcohol, but was ineffective on pylorus ligation-induced ulcer. Therefore, the results indicate that proton-pump inhibitors including pantoprazole might reveal highly-different effects according to the type of ulcer inducers, and that the prescription of antiulcer agents should be carefully selected.

The ameliorative effect of fisetin, a bioflavonoid, on ethanol-induced and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats

The ameliorative effect of fisetin, a bioflavonoid, on ethanol-induced and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Antiulcer activity of ethanol leaf extract of Cassia fistula

The ethanol leaf extract (ELE) of Cassia fistula Linn. (Caesalpinaceae) was evaluated for antiulcer activity against pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer. Ranitidine (30 mg/kg b.w.) and ELE at doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg b.w. were administered orally in different groups of rats (n = 6), 1 h prior to pyloric ligation. Four hours after pyloric ligation, the gastric juice was collected for evaluation of various parameters. The antiulcer activity of ELE was evidenced by the significant attenuation of gastric volume, pH, free acidity, and total acidity in the gastric juice of pyloric-ligated rats in a dose-dependent manner, and this protective effect could be due to strengthening of the mucosal defense mechanism. ELE pre-treatment significantly attenuated the fall in status of sialic acid and fucose accompanied by an increase in hexose, hexosamine, total non-amino polysaccharide, total carbohydrate, and C:P ratio in the gastric juice of pylorus-ligated rats, and this effect could be due to protection of the mucosal barrier system. ELE pre-treatment significantly prevented the increase in LPO and SOD accompanied by a fall in CAT, in the gastric juice of pyloric-ligated rats. This protective ability of ELE against pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer could be attributed to its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. Higher doses of ELE (750 mg/kg b.w.) produced maximum antiulcer activity comparable to ranitidine treatment. In essence, the antiulcer activity of ELE could be attributed to (i) a decrease in gastric acid secretion, (ii) protection of the mucosal barrier and restoration of mucosal secretions, (iii) inhibition of free radical generation or prevention of lipid peroxidation, and (iv) free radical scavenging or antioxidant properties.

Effect of central administration of ondansetron, a 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐3 receptor antagonist on gastric and duodenal ulcers

The effect of central administration of ondansetron, a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist on gastric secretion and gastric cytoprotection was evaluated using four different models of gastric ulcers and cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer. Ondansetron was administered at two different doses of 20 microg/kg, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and 40 microg/kg, i.c.v. Both doses of ondansetron showed significant increase in healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcers and reduced the formation of ethanol-induced and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcers and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. High dose of ondansetron (40 microg/kg, i.c.v.) was more effective compared with the low dose (20 microg/kg, i.c.v.). However, both doses of ondansetron did not influence the development of cold restraint stress induced gastric ulcers. It was concluded that blocking of 5-HT3 receptors in brain decreases gastric acid secretion and increases gastric mucus secretion.

Protective effect of ginger oil on aspirin and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer model in rats

The present investigation was performed in aspirin and pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model in Wistar rats, in which ability of ginger oil to provide gastric protection was studied at two different doses, 0.5 and 1 g/kg po. Gastric protection was evaluated by measuring the ulcer index, serum γ-GTP levels, total acidity of gastric juice and gastric wall mucus thickness. The results obtained in the present study indicated that ginger oil has a protective action against gastric ulcers induced by aspirin plus pylorus ligation in Wistar rats.

Cytoprotective effects of Bergenia ciliata Sternb, extract on gastric ulcer in rats

Bergenia ciliata is used for the treatment of stomach disorders in the folk medicine of some areas of South East Asia. This study was designed to evaluate its gastroprotective effects on ethanol/HCl, indomethacin and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg b/w of the aqueous and methanol extracts of the rhizome were administered 1 h after ulcerogenic treatment. The animals were killed 3 h later, their stomachs removed and the mean area of ulcer lesion was determined. The weight of mucus and gastric acidity were also measured. The aqueous extract decreased the ulcer lesion (p < 0.05) in all models to a greater extent than the methanol extract, but at the higher doses the effect was reduced. In addition, the antiulcer activity appears to be mediated via cytoprotective effects conferred by enhancement of the mucosal barrier, rather than by prevention of gastric acid secretion or the lowering of pH and acidity.

Effect of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α agonist (bezafibrate) on gastric secretion and gastric cytoprotection in rats

The effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) on gastric secretion and gastric cytoprotection was evaluated using five different models of gastric ulcers: acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcers, pylorus ligation, ethanol-induced, indomethacin-induced and ischemia-reperfusion-induced gastric ulcers. Bezafibrate, a PPAR-alpha agonist was administered at two different doses of 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneanally. Both doses of bezafibrate showed significant antiulcer effect in ethanol-induced, indomethacin-induced and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcers. Bezafibrate increased healing of ulcer in acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcer model. Both doses were also effective in preventing gastric lesions induced by ischemia-reperfusion. It was concluded that PPAR-alpha activation increases healing of gastric ulcers and also prevents development of gastric ulcers in rats.

Study of anti ulcer activity of sodium metavanadate on alcohol and pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcers in rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of sodium metavanadate against experimentally-induced gastric ulcers. In an attempt to establish the antiulcer effect and its mechanism of action, sodium metavanadate (3, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) was studied in ethanol and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models. Sodium metavanadate significantly reduced ulcer index in both the ulcer models. Besides it showed significant reduction in total acid out put along with significant rise in total carbohydrates and mucin activity in gastric juice in pylorus ligation model. Therefore, it is suggested that sodium metavanadate possesses significant antiulcer activity. The probable mechanisms for its antiulcer effect can be attributed to decrease in acid secretion and increase in mucoprotective substances.

Antiulcer effect of amlodipine and its interaction with H2blocker and proton pump inhibitor in pylorus ligated rats

<b>Objective:</b> To study the interaction between a calcium channel blocker, amlodipine, and antiulcer agents, famotidine and omeprazole, in pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcers in rats.<br><b> Materials and Methods: </b> Gastric ulcers were induced in albino rats by pyloric ligation as described by Shay <i> et al</i> . Effects of different doses of amlodipine, famotidine and omeprazole on volume, pH, acidity of gastric secretion and ulcer index were observed. In addition, the effects of low dose of amlodipine in combination with low dose of famotidine or omeprazole on the above parameters were studied.<br><b> Results: </b> Amlodipine (0.5 mg and 1 mg/kg, i.p.), famotidine (4 mg/kg, i.p.) and omeprazole (4 mg/kg, i.p.) produced significant antiulcer effects. Low doses of famotidine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), omeprazole (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and amlodipine (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) did not alter the above parameters significantly. Combined administration of low dose of amlodipine (0.25 mg/kg) and famotidine (1 mg/kg) showed significant antiulcer effects, which were apparent from the reduction in volume of gastric acid secretion, acidity and ulcer index with simultaneous increase in the intragastric pH. Similarly, low dose of omeprazole (1 mg/kg) when combined with low dose of amlodipine (0.25 mg/kg) also showed significant antiulcer effects.<br><b> Conclusion: </b> Amlodipine produced significant antiulcer effects in pylorus-ligated model. Combination of low doses of amlodipine with low doses of either famotidine or omeprazole produced significant antiulcer effects. It is suggested that the patients who received amlodipine therapy for some other clinical conditions are less prone to develop peptic ulcers; and even if ulcers develop, they would require lower doses of antiulcer agents like famotidine and omeprazole.

Effects of sea buckthorn ( Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) seed and pulp oils on experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats

Oils from sea buckthorn ( Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) seeds and berries have traditionally been used in the treatment of disorders of skin and mucosa in China. Compared with the negative control, oral administration of CO 2-extracted seed and pulp oils, 7.0 ml · kg −1 · day −1 significantly reduced ulcer formation in water-immersion ( P<0.05) and reserpine-induced ( P<0.01) models in rats. In addition, administration of the two oils, 3.5 ml · kg −1· day −1, significantly reduced the index of pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer ( P<0.05) and sped up the healing process of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer ( P<0.01). The results suggested that the CO 2-extracted sea buckthorn seed and pulp oils have both preventive and curative effects against experimental gastric ulcers in rats.