Histo-chemical studies on the anti-ulcer effect of bamboo grass in rats

Oral administration of a hot-water extract (Folin) of bamboo grass (Sasa albomarginata Makino & Shibata) significantly reduced the incidence of water-immersion and restraint stress-, ethanol-induced and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Histological examination of the Folin-treated gastric mucosa showed that microscopic blood clots overlaid the superficial epithelium, maintaining the cellular integrity of gastric mucosa, especially against stress ulcer. In addition, Folin suppressed the incidence of hyperaemia and a decline of acid mucopolysaccharides in the ethanol-induced ulcer. Folin suppressed a release of histamine from rat mast cells, and stabilized erythrocytes and accelerated their agglutination under acid conditions. These results suggest that a microscopic haemostatic effect of Folin reinforced by a membrane-stabilizing effect might be responsible for the prevention of the gastric lesions.