ANTIULCEROGENICITY OF THE FLAVONOID FRACTION FROM ERICA-ANDEVALENSIS CABEZUDO-RIVERA

Investigations were carried out to determine the antiulcerogenicity of the flavonoid fraction (ethyl acetate extract) of Erica andevalensis Cabezudo-Rivera on gastric ulceration induced by different experimenta l models. Oral treatment with the ethyl acetate extract and the major flavonoid (myricetin 3-O-D-galactoside) were found to be effective to prevent gastric ulceration induced by cold-restraint stress in rats. S tatistically significant ulcer index values with respect to the contro l group were observed. Mucus content was not increased although it was accompanied by an increase in proteins and hexosamines. In pyloric-li gated animals flavonoids showed a significant reduction in the number and severity of the ulcers. Under the same conditions acidity did not decrease with the flavonic extract and myricetin 3-O-D-galactoside sig nificantly as compared to control. Gastric ulcers induced by oral admi nistration of absolute ethanol were reduced by pretreatment with the f lavonoid extract of doses from 125 to 250 mg/kg and the isolated flavo noid of 25 mg/kg p.o. However neither the flavonic extract nor the iso lated flavonoid induced changes in the amount and glycoprotein content of gastric mucus.