Effect of Commiphora opobalsamum (L.) Engl. (Balessan) on experimental gastric ulcers and secretion in rats

The ulcer protective potential of an ethanol extract of Comuniphora opobalsamum (L.) Engl. (Burseraceae) `Balessan' was assessed against different acute gastric ulcer models in rats induced by necrotizing agents (80% ethanol, 0.2 M NaOH and 25% NaCl), hypothermic restraint stress, pyloric ligation (Shay) and indomethacin. Balessan, 250 and 500 mg/kg administered orally (intraperitoneally in Shay rat model) showed a dose-dependent ulcer protective effects in all the above ulcer models. Besides, the extract offered protection against ethanol-induced depletion of stomach wall mucus and reduction in nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) concentration. Ethanol treatment also caused histopathological lesions of the stomach wall. Pretreatment with Balessan extract provided a complete protection of gastric mucosa through supporting both the offensive and defensive factors. Balessan extract was also showed a large margin of safety without any apparent adverse effects in rats. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.