Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK (Piperaceae)

An aqueous extract of the aerial part of Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK (Piperaceae) was tested for anti-inflammatory (paw edema induced by carrageenin and arachidonic acid) and analgesic activity (abdominal writhes and hot plate) in rats and mice, respectively. Oral administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg of the aqueous extract exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin test, which was based on interference with prostaglandin synthesis, as confirmed by the arachidonic acid test. In the abdominal writhing test induced by acetic acid, 400 mg/kg of the plant extract had the highest analgesic activity, whereas in the hot-plate test the best dose was 100 mg/kg. The LD(50) showed that Peperomia pellucida (5000 mg/kg) presented low toxicity.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of the stem bark extracts from Allanblackia monticola STANER L.C. (Guttiferae)

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: was to assess the anti-inflammatory and mechanism of action of Allanblackia monticola (Guttiferae). The anti-inflammatory activity "in vivo" of the methylene chloride/methanol extract, methanol and methylene chloride fractions of stem barks of Allanblackia monticola, administered orally at doses of 37.5; 75; 150 and 300 mg/kg, was evaluated on carrageenan-induced oedema in rats to determine the most active fraction. Indomethacin, inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase was used as reference drug. The effects of the most active fraction were then examined on the rat paw oedema caused by histamine, serotonin, arachidonic acid and dextran followed by its ulcerogenic effect. The results showed that the methylene chloride fraction of Allanblackia monticola was more effective on the oedema caused by the carrageenan. The anti-nociceptive activity of the methylene chloride fraction was assessed using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction model, formalin test and hot plate test. At 150 mg/kg, Allanblackia monticola caused maximum inhibitions of inflammation induced by carrageenan (83.33%), by histamine (42.10%), by dextran (40.29%) and by arachidonic acid (64.28%). Allanblackia monticola (75-300 mg/kg) did not cause significant modification of the oedema induced by serotonin. Concerning the anti-nociceptive properties of the plant, the methylene chloride fraction (75-300 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent inhibition on abdominal contractions induced by acetic acid (32.34-77.37%) and significantly inhibited the inflammatory pain caused by formalin (40.71-64.78%). Allanblackia monticola did not increase the latency time in the hot plate test. Like indomethacin (10mg/kg), the fraction at the dose of 150 mg/kg caused ulceration of the gastric mucous membrane in treated rats. These results show that Allanblackia monticola has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with gastric ulcerative side effects.     

Preliminary studies of analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Caesalpinia ferrea crude extract

The crude aqueous extract of the fruits of Caesalpinia ferrea Mart. (Leguminosae) has been investigated for possible anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The carrageenan induced rat hind paw edema was significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) by oral administration of 300 mg/kg of this extract. A centrally mediated analgesic effect was not observed, however, there was a dose dependent reduction in the number of total writhes induced by acetic acid.     

Topical antiinflammatory and analgesic activities of Copaifera duckei dwyer

The oleoresin of several Copaifera species is used widely in the Amazonian Region mainly as a topical antiinflammatory and healing agent. The topical analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of Copaifera duckei oleoresin, whose terpenoidal chemical composition has been characterized, are now examined. Antiinflammatory activity was evaluated in rats using the carrageenin-induced paw edema and the granuloma tests, and in mice by the croton oil-induced dermatitis test. Analgesic activity was determined in mice using the writhing test method. In the carrageenin-induced edema and granuloma tests the oleoresin in a dose of 1,802 mg/kg inhibited the edema by 18% and granuloma by 42% (p < 0.05), this last result similar to that observed with dexamethasone. Topical doses of 517 mg/kg, 1,035 mg/kg and 1,802 mg/kg produced 52%, 58% and 62% (p < 0.05) reduction of the edema induced by croton oil, respectively, and 48%, 56% and 65% inhibition of the writhing process (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the Copaifera duckei oleoresin has topical antiinflammatory and analgesic activities.     

矮地茶药理作用研究

目的 对矮地茶水提取物和醇提取物的抗炎、镇痛作用及急性毒性进行研究.方法 采用二甲苯致小鼠耳廓肿胀法、醋酸扭体法观察矮地茶的抗炎、镇痛作用;对矮地茶水提物及醇提物的半数致死量(LD_(50))进行测定,观察其急性毒性.结果 矮地茶对二甲苯所致小鼠耳肿胀有明显的抑制作用(P<0.01,P<0.05);对0.7%醋酸所致小鼠扭体反应有明显的抑制作用(P<0.01或P<0.05).矮地茶水提物及醇提物对小鼠灌胃给药的LD50分别为(115.77±10.31)g/kg, 95%可信限为(105.92～126.54)g/kg;(94.71±10.13)g/kg ,95%可信限为(85.12～105.38 )g/kg.结论 矮地茶具有一定的抗炎、镇痛作用;矮地茶水提物及醇提取物未出现其它毒性反应.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract from the fruits of Pterodon emarginatus Vog

The vegetal species Pterodon emarginatus Vog. (Leguminosae/Papilonaceae), popularly known in Brazil as 'sucupira branca', is widely used by domestic medicine as an anti-inflammatory. From these observations, the hexanic crude extract (HCE) of the fruits was obtained and submitted for assessment of its anti-inflammatory activity. For this purpose, the following tests were used: (1) Determination of ED50 and LD50; (2) Paw edema induced by carrageenin, dextran, histamine and nystatin; (3) Peritonitis caused by carrageenin and (4) Granuloma test. The ED50 (oral) in the edema induced by carrageenin was 500 mg/kg, and LD50 (oral) was 4.02 g/kg. In the edema caused by nystatin, there was a significant inhibition by 45% (P < 0.05 student's t-test) at the 6th hour following the treatment. In the granuloma test performed in animals treated with HCE, there was an inhibition of the granulomatous tissue formation by 22%. The migration of neutrophils towards the peritoneal cavity was inhibited in HCE treated animals by 43% (P < 0.05). However, in the edema caused by dextran and histamine, there was no significant response in HCE treated animals.     

Analgesic and anticonvulsant effects of extracts from the leaves of Kalanchoe crenata (Andrews) Haworth (Crassulaceae)

Kalanchoe crenata Andr. (Crassulaceae) is a fleshy herbaceous plant used in the African traditional medicine as remedies against otitis, headache, inflammations, convulsions and general debility. In the present work, the analgesic effects of methylene chloride/methanol (1:1) (CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH) extract and its hexane, methylene chloride (CH(2)Cl(2)), ethyl acetate, n-butanol fractions and aqueous residue have been evaluated using acetic acid, formalin and pressure test. The anticonvulsant effects of the CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract were also investigated on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ 70 mg/kg), strychnine sulphate (STN 2.5 mg/kg) and thiosemicarbazide (TSC 50 mg/kg). CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract and its fractions, administered orally at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, exhibited protective effect of at least 30% on the pain induced by acetic acid. The CH(2)Cl(2) fraction at 300 mg/kg showed a maximal effect of 78.49%. The CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract and its CH(2)Cl(2) fraction at the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the first phase of pain induced by formalin while the second phase was completely inhibited. The CH(2)Cl(2) fraction produced more than 45% reduction in the sensitivity to pain induced by pressure. The CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract of Kalanchoe crenata significantly increased the latency period in seizures induced by PTZ and significantly reduced the duration of seizures induced by the three convulsant agents. The extract protected 20% of animals against death in seizures induced by TSC and STN. These results suggest a peripheral and central analgesic activities as well as an anticonvulsant effect of the leaves of Kalanchoe crenata.     

栀子的抗炎镇痛作用研究

用３．０和１．０ｇ浸膏／ｋｇ２个剂量进行试验,探讨单味桅子７５％甲醇提取物对炎症组织的影响,结果表明,桅子浸膏可显著抑制醋酸诱发血管通透性增加,高、低剂量的抑制率分别为４４．７％和２５．６％;显著抑制叉菜所致大鼠足肿胀作用,第６小时抑制率分别为３３．６％和２５．４％;显著抑制棉球肉芽组织增生,抑制率分别为５４．１％和３３．０％;对醋酸诱发的小鼠扭体反应有一定抑制作用,抑制率分别为２６．８％和１８．     

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Elephantopus tomentosus Ethanolic Extract

Elephantopus tomentosus is widely used in Asia, especially in Malaysia, for the treatment of pain and inflammation. In the present study, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of a 95% ethanol extract of E. tomentosus were investigated in different experimental models. In the anti-inflammation study, 1000 mg/kg of extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced hind paw edema (p < 0.05) and inhibited abdominal permeability compared with control (p < 0.01). The analgesic activity was assayed in several experimental models in mice: (1) hot plate, (2) tail flick, (3) writhing test; and rats: carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia pain threshold test. However, at the doses tested, no significant activity was found in the hot plate test and the tail flick test. E. tomentosus ethanol extract at 1000 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) increased hyperalgesia pain threshold and inhibited writhing activity. The results suggest that E. tomentosus ethanol extract at 1000 mg/kg dose is effective in anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug type anti-nociception activities.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity and acute toxicity of Sida cordifolia L. (Malva-branca)

Sida cordifolia L. (Malvaceae) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa, blenorrhea, asthmatic bronchitis and nasal congestion. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic effects and acute toxicity of an aqueous extract of S. cordifolia were evaluated in animal models. The extract was prepared using leaves collected before the flowering period. The aqueous extract (AE) showed a significant inhibition of carrageenin-induced rat paw edema at a dose of 400 mg/kg administered orally, but did not block the edema induced by arachidonic acid. The AE also increased the latency period for mice in the hot plate test, and inhibited the number of writhes produced by acetic acid at the oral dose of 400 mg/kg. The aqueous extract of S. cordifolia showed low acute toxicity in mice.     

复方消经痛胶囊镇痛抗炎作用研究

目的研究复方消经痛胶囊镇痛抗炎作用。方法采用醋酸和热板致痛法,观察复方消经痛胶囊的镇痛作用;采用二甲苯致小鼠耳肿胀、角叉菜胶致大鼠足肿胀模型,观察复方消经痛胶囊的抗炎作用。结果复方消经痛胶囊2.0,1.0 g/kg可明显减少醋酸所致疼痛模型小鼠的扭体次数(P<0.05)。2.0 g/kg在给药后90 m in可明显提高热板致小鼠疼痛阈值,1.0,0.5 g/kg组则在给药后120 m in痛阈值明显提高(P<0.05)。复方消经痛胶囊2.0,1.0,0.5 g/kg对二甲苯引起的小鼠耳肿胀有明显的抑制作用(P<0.01或P<0.05);复方消经痛胶囊1.6,0.8,0.4 g/kg对角叉菜胶致大鼠足趾肿胀在致炎后4 h开始出现抑制作用(P<0.01或P<0.05),6 h作用最明显(P<0.01或P<0.01)。结论复方消经痛胶囊具有镇痛和抗炎作用。     

The juice of fresh leaves of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) markedly reduces pain in mice

The decoction or juice of leaves of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) is used in Martinican folk medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present investigation we studied the acute oral (p.o.) toxicity of a crude extract obtained from a lyophilized decoction (DE) and from the juice (JE) of fresh leaves. We observed no signs of toxicity up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg (p.o.) in mice. At the dose of 1000 mg/kg, neither extract altered sleeping time evoked by the administration of pentobarbital sodium (i.p.). The DE and JE of B. diffusa were assessed in standard rodent models of algesia and inflammation. We investigated the antinociceptive effect of DE and JE in chemical (acetic acid) and thermal (hot plate) models of hyperalgesia in mice. Dipyrone sodium (200 mg/kg), JE (1000 mg/kg) and DE at the same dose (p.o.), produced a significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in mice (100, 50 and 47% inhibition, respectively) when compared with the negative control (P<0.001). In the hot-plate test in mice, morphine and JE produced a significant increase in latency during the observation time. The DE, however, only raised the pain thresholds during the first period (30 min) of observation (P<0.05). The extracts of B. diffusa were also investigated for their anti-edematogenic effect on carrageenan-induced edema in mice. However, neither extract inhibited the paw edema induced in mice (P>0.05). In the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in mice, pre-treatment of the animals with naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reversed the analgesic effect of morphine and JE but not that of DE. These data show that the active antinociceptive principle of B. diffusa is present mainly in the juice of fresh leaves and has a significant antinociceptive effect when assessed in these pain models. The mechanism underlying this analgesic effect of fresh leaves of B. diffusa remains unknown, but seems to be related to interaction with the opioid system.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of extract, fractions and populnoic acid from bark wood of Austroplenckia populnea

Austroplenckia populnea (Reiss) Lund is a Brazilian plant from "cerrado", which belongs to Celastraceae family, popularity know as "marmelinho-do campo, mangabeira-brava, mangabarana, vime and maria-mole". This plant is used in folk medicine to treat dysenteries and inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatism. Austroplenckia populnea bark hydroalcoholic crude extract, and its hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions, obtained by partition, as well as the isolated populnoic acid were investigated for their anti-inflammatory (carrageenan, dextran and histamine-induced rat paw oedema, histamine-induced increase in vascular permeability, and granulomatous tissue induction) and analgesic activities (writhing and hot plate tests). The ED(50) (oral) of the crude extract for the inhibition of carragenan-induced rat paw oedema assay was determined to be 200 mg/kg, which was also used in the assays with the extract and its fractions in all other experiments. Populnoic acid was administered in the dose of 50 mg/kg. Crude extract, hexane and chloroform fractions (200 mg/kg), and indomethacin (10 mg/kg) inhibited significantly (p<0.05) the formation of the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, measured in third hour of experiment (peak of oedema formation) by 43.2%, 37.3%, 31.1% and 59.3%, respectively. There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in dextran-induced rat paw oedema in all groups, while in the assay using histamine as the oedematogenic agent, only the groups treated with populnoic acid (50 mg/kg) and cyproheptadine (10 mg/kg) displayed significant reduction (p<0.05). The populnoic acid and cyproheptadine reduced the peak of oedema formation (1st hour) by 41.3% and 34.7%, respectively. Only for the groups treated with populnoic acid (50 mg/kg) and cyproheptadine (10 mg/kg) it was observed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in histamine-induced increase in vascular permeability (44.8% and 80.3%, respectively). Granulomatous tissue formation was significantly inhibited (p<0.05) by both hexane fraction (46.0%) and dexamethasone (66.2%). In the analgesic assays, the crude extract and its hexane and chloroform fractions, as well as indomethacin diminished significantly the number of writhings (p<0.05) by 69.6%, 47.2%, 44.8% and 62.8%, respectively. On the other hand, none assayed sample displayed significant result in the hot plate test. Based on the obtained results it is suggested that extracts of Austroplenckia populnea bark and populnoic acid display anti-inflammatory activity, supporting its folkloric use to treat inflammatory disorders.     

Antinociceptive and free radical scavenging activities of Cocos nucifera L. (Palmae) husk fiber aqueous extract

In the current study, the analgesic and free radical scavenging properties of an aqueous extract from the husk fiber of Cocos nucifera L. (Palmae) were demonstrated by the use of in vivo and in vitro models. The orally administered Cocos nucifera aqueous extract (200 or 400 mg/kg) inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice. Tail flick and hot plate assays demonstrated that treatment of animals with this plant extract at 200 mg/kg induced attenuation in the response to a heat stimulus. A LD(50) of 2.30 g/kg was obtained in acute toxicity tests. Topic treatment of rabbits with the Cocos nucifera extract indicated that it does not induce any significant dermic or ocular irritation. In vitro experiments using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) photometric assay demonstrated that this plant extract also possesses free radical scavenging properties.     

Vasorelaxant effects of Brillantaisia nitens Lindau (Acanthaceae) extracts on isolated rat vascular smooth muscle

Brillantaisia nitens Lindau (Acanthaceae) is traditionally used in Cameroon for the treatment of many diseases including cardiovascular disorders. We have studied its vasorelaxant effects in rat vascular smooth muscle. In this study, aqueous, methylene chloride, methanol, and methylene chloride/methanol leaves extracts of Brillantaisia nitens were tested for their relaxing ability in vitro. Strips of rat aorta, with or without intact endothelium, were mounted in tissue baths, contracted with KCl (60mM) or norepinephrine (10(-4)M), and then exposed to the plant extracts. These extracts exhibited concentration-dependent vasorelaxations of norepinephrine-induced contractions of intact aortic strips. The EC(50) were 0.42+/-0.01mg/ml (aqueous extract), 0.63+/-0.02mg/ml (methylene chloride extract), 0.73+/-0.02mg/ml (methanol extract) and 0.36+/-0.02mg/ml (methylene chloride/methanol extract). The methylene chloride/methanol (CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH) extract was the most potent relaxing extract. It caused a concentration-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxation of the rat aortic strips contracted by KCl or norepinephrine. On the NE-induced contraction, its maximal relaxant activity (109%) due to the dose of 1.5mg/ml, was not significantly modified by the pretreatment of aortic strips with indomethacin (89%, P>0.05) or with l-NAME (103%, P>0.05). This suggests that the vasorelaxation elicited by CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract was not mediated via endothelium-derived prostacyclin or nitric oxide. In contrast, this relaxation was markedly reduced by tetraethylammonium, a blocker of non-selective K(+) channels and glibenclamide, a blocker of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels. The CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract significantly inhibited Ca(2+)-induced concentration-contraction and the Ca(2+) influx in aortic strips incubated with 60mM KCl. These results indicate that the vasorelaxant effect of the CH(2)Cl(2)/CH(3)OH extract of Brillantaisia nitens is due to an inhibition of Ca(2+) influx, possibly via the activation of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of different extracts of Commiphora myrrha

Aim of the study

This present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of 85% ethanol extract (EE) of Commiphora myrrha and its different fractions partitioned with petroleum ether extract (EPE), ethyl acetate extract (EEA), n-butanol extract (EBu), and the water extract (ECY). Moreover, the chemical constituents in EPE were analyzed and identified by UPLC-QTOF/MS/MS.

Materials and methods

The anti-inflammatory activities were investigated by utilizing the paw edema mice induced by formalin. In addition, we determined the levels of PGE₂ in the edema paw. While the analgesic activity was examined against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain in mice, using the acetic acid and hot-plate test methods. The effects of the administration of dolantin or indomethacin were also studied for references. The components in EPE were analyzed by the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrum.

Results

In the anti-inflammatory test, EE inhibited the development of paw swelling induced by formalin significantly. The pharmacological activities of the petroleum ether fraction (EPE) were stronger than the EE extract and other fractions at the dose of 100 mg/kg, and furthermore significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory factor PGE₂ in the edema paw tissue at the fourth hour after formalin injection. It has been also shown that the ethanol extract (EE) significantly reduced acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice at the dose of 200 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg. The petroleum ether fraction (EPE) showed significant analgesic activity in the model at the dose of 100 mg/kg (p < 0.01), and the ethyl acetate fraction (EEA) exhibited less analgesic activity (p < 0.05). All test samples showed no significant analgesic activity on the hot plate pain threshold in mice. The UPLC-MS/MS chromatogram analysis of EPE stated that EPE contains the ingredients of sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and diterpenic acids. Moreover, seven main compounds were identified.

Conclusion

These data demonstrated that the EE and EPE posses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities and may support the fact the traditional application of this herb in treating various diseases associated with inflammatory pain.     

Antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the seaweed Sargassum fulvellum and Sargassum thunbergii in mice

Dichloromethane, ethanol, and boiling water extracts of the brown seaweeds Sargassum fulvellum and Sargassum thunbergii were examined for antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities in mice. The activities were evaluated against yeast-induced pyrexia, tail-flick test, and phorbol myristate acetate-induced inflammation (edema, erythema, and blood flow). The dichloromethane extract (0.4 mg/ear) of Sargassum fulvellum inhibited an inflammatory symptom of mouse ear edema by 79.1%. The ethanol extract (0.4 mg/ear) of Sargassum thunbergii also inhibited edema by 72.1%. No acute toxicity was observed after p.o. administration of each extract (5 g/kg bw). These findings are consistent with various claims that these seaweeds can be used as remedies for inflammation-related symptoms.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of CML-1: an herbal formulation

CML-1 is a purified extract from a mixture of 13 Oriental herbs (Achyranthis Radix, Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Cinnamomi Cortex Spissus, Eucommiae Cortex, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Hoelen, Lycii Fructus, Paeoniae Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata and Atractylodis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zizyphi Semen, Acori Graminei Rhizoma) that have been widely used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in Asia. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of CML-1. The animals used in this study were administered either vehicle or CML-1 (30, 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg) orally. The vascular permeability induced by acetic acid was significantly reduced by CML-1 in all doses. The swelling of the rat's hind paw induced by carrageenan was significantly inhibited by CML-1 in doses of 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis induced by complete Freund's adjuvant in rats, the treatment with CML-1 at a dose level of 300 mg/kg inhibited edema. CML-1 at a dose level of 600 mg/kg inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing syndrome, however it did not have any anti-nociceptive action in the Randall-Selitto assay or the hot plate test. Our findings suggest that CML-1 has a potent anti-inflammatory activity.     

Antiinflammatory properties of Morus nigra leaves

The aim of the present study was to investigate antiinflammatory activity of the methylene chloride extract of Morus nigra in animal models. Carrageenan-induced paw edema as well as fibrovascular tissue growth induced by s.c. cotton pellet implantation were used to investigate the antiinflammatory activity of Morus nigra extract (MnE) in rats. A HPLC fingerprint was used for phytochemical analysis of the extracts. The MnE at test doses of 100-300 mg/kg p.o. clearly demonstrated antiinflammatory effects by reduced paw edema induced by carragenan and significantly inhibited the formation of granulomatous tissue. In addition, chemical compounds isolated from Morus nigra, including betulinic acid, β-sitosterol and germanicol, may be responsible for the antiinflammatory effect of the extract.     

Gastroprotective effect of Dodonaea viscosa on various experimental ulcer models

AIM OF THE STUDY: Dodonaea viscosa Linn. (Sapindaceae) is used as a medicinal herb by the tribes of Shola forest regions of Western Ghats. It is used for headaches, backaches, stomach pain, piles and simple ulcers. The present study was performed to evaluate the gastroprotective effect and acute toxicity of this plant in various experimental models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies were performed in two different models (ethanol and indomethacin induced gastric ulcer) in wistar rats. Gastric protection was evaluated by measuring the ulcer index, gastric glutathione assay, alkaline phosphate assay and histopathological studies. Gastric secretion studies were done by pyloric ligation experiment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Water and ethanol extract (500 mg/kg body weight) showed moderate activity compared to hexane extract. Hexane extract of Dodonaea viscosa dose dependently inhibited ethanol induced gastric lesions, causing 90% protection at 500 mg/kg, 81% protection at 250 mg/kg, and 70% protection at 125 mg/kg and it also dose dependently inhibited indomethacin induced gastric lesions, causing 92% protection at 500 mg/kg, 77% protection at 250 mg/kg, and 52% protection at 125 mg/kg. The various degrees of inhibition were statistically significant (p相似文献