Cytoprotective effect of Lindera aggregata roots against ethanol-induced acute gastric injury

Abstract

A water extract of Lindera aggregata (LA) root was assessed for cytoprotective activity against ethanol induced injury. The LA extract (30-120 mg/kg) was given intragastrically to Sprague-Dawley rats 30 min before ethanol (40%, 10 ml/kg) was administered. This extract showed significant stomach protection in a dose-dependant manner. Moreover, the activity could be detected when the extract was given subcutaneously, suggesting it might have both local and systemic effects. The roles of prostaglandins, vagus nerve and gastric motility in the protective effect of LA were assessed by blocking prostaglandin synthesis, vagotomy and measurement of gastric emptying rate, respectively. Results indicated that the protective activity of LA was possibly mediated by endogenous prostaglandins, and the vagus nerve was also involved in such action. The chemical components of LA were examined by TLC and GC-MS, suggesting that multiple ingredients of the crude drug were responsible for the activity.