Evaluation of possible mechanism of anti-ulcerogenic activity of UL-409, aherbal preparation

UL-409, a herbal preparation was investigated for its anti-ulcerogenic acti vity and possible mechanism of action in different experimental models. Ora l administration of UL-409 at a dose of 600 mg/kg significantly reduced the volume of gastric secretion, total acidity and free acidity in aspirin + p ylorus-ligated rats. The drug appeared to strengthen the gastric mucosal de fense mechanism by significantly increasing the total carbohydrate:protein ratio in aspirin + pylorus-ligated rats. The major mechanism involved appea rs to be due to promotion of mucosal protection by augmenting gastric mucin activity. Pre-treatment with UL-409 showed inhibition of alcohol-induced c ontraction of isolated rat fundus preparation which was reversed by indomet hacin suggesting a possible involvement of the cyclo-oxygenase system. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.