PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF DA-9601, AN EXTRACT OF ARTEMISIAE HERBA, AGAINSTNAPROXEN-INDUCED GASTRIC DAMAGE IN ARTHRITIC RATS

Gastrointestinal irritation is the most frequent adverse effect in pat ients chronically taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the treatment of arthritic conditions. Gastroprotective effect of DA-9601, a new antiulcer agent from Artemisiae Herba extract, against NSAID was evaluated in a rat model of arthritis that is similar in man y aspects to human rheumatoid arthritis. Daily oral dosing of naproxen (30 mg/kg), one of the most commonly used NSAID, induced apparent gas tric lesions as well as a significant decrease in mucosal prostaglandi n E-2 (PGE(2)) and prostaglandin F-1 alpha (PGF(1 alpha)) levels. Coad ministration of DA-9601 prevents naproxen-induced mucosal injury and d epletion of prostaglandins, in a dose-related manner. DA-9601 did not alter the antiinflammatory or analgesic effect of naproxen. The presen t results suggest that DA-9601 may be useful as a mucoprotectant again st NSAIDs in clinical practice.