Evaluation of antiulcer activity of protocatechuic acid ethyl ester in rats

Abstract

To study the antiulcer activity of Protocatechuic acid ethyl ester using different models of gastric ulceration in rats. Antiulcer activity of Protocatechuic acid ethyl ester was studied in rats in which gastric ulcers were induced by oral administration of ethanol or aspirin or by pyloric ligation. Protocatechuic acid ethyl ester was administered in the dose of 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg i.p. 30 min prior to ulcer induction. The antiulcer activity was assessed by determining and comparing the ulcer index in the test drug group with that of the vehicle control group. Gastric total acid output and pepsin activity were estimated in the pylorus ligated rats. Ranitidine and Sucralfate were used as a reference drug. The ulcer index in the Protocatechuic acid ethyl ester treated animals was found to be significantly less in all the models compared to vehicle control animals. This antiulcer property was more prominent in animals in whom ulcers were induced by ethanol, aspirin and pyloric ligation. Ranitidine (30 mg/kg) produced a significant gastric ulcer protection when compared with the control group. The anti-ulcer activity of Protocatechuic acid ethyl ester was however, less than that of ranitidine. Our results suggest that Protocatechuic acid ethyl ester possesses significant antiulcer property which could be either due to cytoprotective action of the drug or by strengthening of gastric mucosa   and thus enhancing mucosal defence.