Effects of Teucrium divaricatum Heldr. ssp divaricatum decoction on experimental ulcer in rats

The effects of chronic intragastric administration of the aerial parts deco ction of Teucrium divaricatum Heldr. ssp. divaricatum (Labiateae) on experi mental acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced ulcer were studied in rats. The u lcer index and histological mucosa regeneration were evaluated. The ulcer i ndex significantly decreased (U.I. 1.7 +/- 1.5; P < 0.05) after treatment w ith a lyophilized decoction of T. divaricatum (500 mg/kg os), once daily fo r 7 days, compared to the control (U.I. 11.4 +/- 2.3). The ultrastructure m odifications of gastric mucosa were observed by transmission electronic mic roscopy (TEM) confirming the antisecretory effect exercised by administrati on of the T. divaricatum decoction. Treatment with T. divaricatum seems to block up parietal cell acid secretion and to stimulate in the chief cells t he formation of zymogen granules. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. Al l rights reserved.