Effects of Centella asiatica on ethanol induced gastric mucosal lesions inrats

Centella asiatica is a herbal medicine widely used in China and India for w ound healing. The aim of this study was to examine its effects on the preve ntion of ethanol induced gastric lesions in rats. Gastric transmucosal pote ntial difference (PD) was reduced by the application of 50% ethanol in the gastric ex-vivo chamber model and Centella extract (CE) accelerated its rec overy. Oral administration of CE (0.05 g/kg, 0.25 g/kg and 0.50 g/kg) befor e ethanol administration significantly inhibited gastric lesions formation (58% to 82% reduction) and decreased mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a dose dependent manner. These results suggested that CE prevented etha nol induced gastric mucosal lesions by strengthening the mucosal barrier an d reducing the damaging effects of free radicals. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.