GREEN BANANA PROTECTION OF GASTRIC-MUCOSA AGAINST EXPERIMENTALLY-INDUCED INJURIES IN RATS - A MULTICOMPONENT MECHANISM

The protective capacities of fresh green (unripe) sweet bananas and of phosphatidylcholine and pectin (banana ingredients) against acute (et hanol- or indomethacin-induced) and chronic (indomethacin-induced) gas tric mucosal lesions were evaluated in rats. Banana pulp was mixed wit h saline and given by gavage, as a pretreatment in a single dose. The identical protocol was used for pectin and phosphatidylcholine solutio n, and the dosages were adjusted to equal the amount of ingredients in the banana mixture, but higher concentrations were also given. The ba nana suspension reduced acute lesions, as did pectin and phosphatidylc holine in higher concentrations, but in concentrations as in fresh fru it no protective effects were observed except by pectin against indome thacin injury. In the model of chronic ulcers the banana suspension pr ovided an incomplete and temporary protective effect. We conclude that the protective capacity of fresh green sweet bananas cannot be confin ed to only one active component. Pectin and phosphatidylcholine may pr otect gastric mucosa by strengthening the mucous-phospholipid layer, b ut the mechanism of protection afforded by bananas has to be further e lucidated.