Abstract
Licania platypus, locally known as “sonzapote”, is a species distributed in tropical countries. Traditionally, it has been used different anatomical parts in Central America for a variety of health problems, especially gastrointestinal problems.
Aim: To investigate the possible gastric antiulcer activity of Licania platypus leaves ethanol extract.
Methods: Gastric lesions were induced by ethanol and indomethacin models. Also the extract was evaluated in modified Shay rat model. Licania platypus extract were previously administered orally and stomach lesions were measured. Besides, other parameters were analyzed in pylorus-ligated model.
Results: Oral administration of a unique dose of ethanol extract (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the area of gastric lesions (p < 0.05) on ethanol and indomethacin induction models. Furthermore, it was observed a significant increase of the gastric mucus secretion in modified Shay model (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Licania platypus ethanol extract exerted a gastroprotective effect in different acute ulcer induction models. This work provides the first evidence that species of Licania genus has gastroprotective activity and permits further studies to elucidate a specific mechanism.