GASTRIC CYTOPROTECTION OF THE NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY SESQUITERPENE, BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE

The gastric cytoprotective effect of beta-caryophyllene (1), an anti-i nflammatory sesquiterpene, was investigated in rats. The oral administ ration of beta-caryophyllene to rats significantly inhibited gastric m ucosal injuries induced by necrotizing agents such as absolute ethanol and 0.6 N HCl, although it failed to prevent water immersion stress- and indomethacin-induced gastric lesions. In addition, this compound h ardly affected the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin. Thus, beta-ca ryophyllene elicited anti-inflammatory effects without any indication of gastric mucosal damage typical of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory a gents. Furthermore, this compound manifested cytoprotective effects, r endering the two-dimensional efficacious beta-caryophyllene to be a cl inically safe acid potentially useful agent.