Anti-ulcerogenic properties of Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae) standardized extracts in rodent models

Aim of the study

Quassia amara L. is commonly used in Costarican folk medicine. It has been used for the treatment of a broad range of gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia, gastritis and constipation. In this study, the gastroprotective activity of two standardized extracts of Quassia amara L., Lipro^® and Ligas^®, was evaluated.

Materials and methods

Anti-ulcerogenic properties were evaluated in female rats under acute ulcer-induction models (ethanol, indomethacin and hypotermic restraint). To get a deeper insight in the anti-ulcerogenic properties of the extracts, Ligas^® was evaluated in the Shay rat model. Five parameters were estimated with this model: gastric mucus barrier, non-protein sulfhydril groups (NPSG) in the gastric mucosa, and pH, total acidity and peptic activity of the gastric juice.

Results

Induction of ulcers by 95% ethanol (0.5 mL per os), indomethacin (100 mg/kg s.c.) and stress (2 h in hypothermic restraint) was inhibited significantly with administration of Lipro^® (p < 0.05), in a dosage range from 4.9 mg/kg/d to 48.9 mg/kg/d. Treatment was given for one week. The extract Ligas^® showed a significant augmentation of NPSG (p < 0.05) in a dosage range from 4.0 to 39.7 mg/kg. Ligas^® did not produce a significant change (p > 0.05) in the other indicators.

Conclusions

Quassia amara L. standardized extracts, Lipro^® and Ligas^®, showed an important anti-ulcerogenic effect in acute ulcer induction models. Their effect was related to an increase in gastric barrier mucus and non-protein sulfhydril groups.