Antiulcer activity of Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae): ultrastructural study

In Sicily folk medicine, Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. cladodes are used for the treatment of gastric ulcer. We studied the effect of administration of lyophilized cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat. In t his paper, we report the ultrastructural observations of gastric mucosa. Th e ultrastructural changes were observed by trasmission electronic microscop y (TEM) confirming the protective effect exercised by administration of lyo philized cladodes. Pre-treatment test in rats revealed a protective action against ethanol-induced ulcer. Probably, the mucilage of Opuntia ficus indi ca is involved. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.