Gastric anti-secretory and anti-ulcerogenic effects of Dombeya buettneri in rats

The effects of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Dombeya buettneri on gas tric acid secretion and ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage were studied in rats. Gastric acid secretion was measured by continuous perfusion in ur ethane-anaesthetised rats. Intragastric perfusion with the extract caused s ignificant reduction in basal and histamine-stimulated gastric acid secreti on. Pretreatment with the extract also reduced the extent of gastric mucosa l damage induced by oral ethanol (75% v/v), but had no effect on mucus secr etion. It is suggested that the consumption of an extract of the leaves of D. buettneri may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of peptic ul cer disease. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.