Antiulcerogenic and healing activity of hecogenin acetate in rodents

Abstract

Peptic ulcers are lesions in the gastric and duodenal mucosa generated by an imbalance between protective factors (gastroduodenal mucus secretion, bicarbonate production, adequate blood ow) and harmful factors (excess pepsin or hydrochloric acid). Some drugs used in peptic ulcer therapy are associated with adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiulcerogenic and healing activity of hecogenin acetate (HA) in acute and chronic models of gastric lesions in rodents. MethodsThe antiulcerogenic activity of HA was evaluated in models of gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol and in acidi ed ethanol with HA (5; 10 and 20 mg/kg). For the model of gastric lesions induced by ischemia and reperfusion, rats were pre-treated with HA (5; 10, 20 mg/kg). After were submitted to 30 min of ischemia, followed by 1 h of reperfusion. To evaluate the healing activity was induced gastric ulcer using acetic acid (80%) in rats. After 24h they were treated for 7 consecutive days with HA (10 and 20 mg/kg). ResultsWere evaluated the possible signs of toxicity, measurement of the lesions, collagen deposition and histological analysis. HA signi cantly reduced the area of the lesion in models of gastric lesions induced by absolute and acidi ed ethanol, ischemia-induced gastric lesions and reperfusion, and regarding healing. In the collagen deposition, the presence and increase of collagen demonstrates healing effect. ConclusionThe AH has antiulcerogenic and healing potential demonstrated by the decrease in gastric injury and presence of collagen bers, respectively.