GASTRIC ANTIULCEROGENIC EFFECTS OF DALBERGIA-MONETARIA L IN RATS

The antiulcerogenic activity of Dalbergia monetaria L. (Leguminosae-Fa baceae) lyophilized aqueous extract (LAE) was studied in four models o f gastric ulcers in rats, LAE showed a dose dependent inhibition of ga stric lesions induced by indomethacin, ethanol, pylorous ligature and hypothermic-restraint stress. LAE extract was more effective against h ypothermic-restraint stress-induced lesions and less effective against indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage, The effectiveness on the ethanol and pylorus ligature induced gastric lesions was equivalent, On the other hand, LAE did not modify mucus secretion in gastric lesio ns induced by stress, The oral administration of LAE did not produce a ny toxicity signals until 5 g/kg, Proanthocyanidins present in this sp ecies are phenolic compounds that inhibit the histidine decarboxylase enzyme, Thus, the mechanism involved in the reduction of ulcerative le sions of rat gastric mucosa produced by the LAE of D. monetaria may be related to its property of inhibiting histamine production. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.