METHYL ANGOLENSATE - THE ANTIULCER AGENT OF THE STEM BARK OF ENTANDROPHRAGMA ANGOLENSE

Methyl angolensate (1), the major compound isolated from the methanol extract of the stem bark of Entandrophragma angolense produced a dose- related inhibition of gastric ulceration, 40 mg/kg body weight (B. W.) being more effective than 40 mg/kg B. W. of propranolol. The highest dose used (80 mg/kg B. W.) completely inhibited gastric ulceration and significantly reduced gastric acidity (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 1 (40 mg/kg B. W.) significantly reduced gastric acid secretion induced by h istamine (1.0 mg/kg B. W.) and carbachol (1.0 mg/kg B. W.). These resu lts suggest that 1 produces its antiulcer activity by inhibition of ga stric acid secretion.