Gastric ulcer is a serious gastrointestinal disorder that requires a well targeted therapeutic strategy. A number of drugs are available for the treatment of gastric ulcer, but clinical evaluation has shown incidence of relapses, side effects, and drug interactions. The search for novel molecules has been extended to herbal drugs that offer better protection and decreased relapse. The essential oils from Croton zehntneri (EOCZ) and Vanillosmopsis arborea (EOVA), the oil from Caryocar coriaceum pulp (OCC), the latex from Himatanthus drasticus (LHD), and the extract from Stryphnodendron rotundifolium (ESR) obtained from Chapada do Araripe, Ceará (Brazil) have been evaluated for cytoprotetive activity on ethanol-induced ulcer formation in mice. EOCZ, EOVA, OCC, and ESR were administrated by gavage at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg and LDH, by the same way, at 0.2 and 0.4 mL/animal (n=8). Following 60 min, mice were given 0.2 mL of ethanol (96%) by gavage. Thirty minutes after the administration of ethanol, all groups were sacriÞ ced and the gastric ulcer index was calculated by planimetry. Preliminary results suggest that all the plants tested showed signiÞ cant activity. EOVA (6.47±1.91%*), OCC (8.86±2.45%*) and ESR (1.50±0.30%**) were the most active. Data are expressed as mean±s.e.m. of the lesioned area (%) and were analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keul´s test (*P<0.05 and **P<0.01 vs. control). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, terpenes, and essential fatty acids, thus suggesting that these substances may be involved in the observed antiulcer activity.
Key words: Croton zehntneri, Vanillosmopsis arborea, Caryocar coriaceum, Himatanthus drasticus, Stryphnodendron rotundifolium, gastroprotection.
