Gastric cytoprotective activity of 2-cyclopenten-1-one and related compounds

The cytoprotective activity of the isolated functional groups of several sesquiterpene lactones is reported. Among them the highest activity is shown by alpha-methylen-gamma-butyrolactone and 2-cyclopenten-1-one. The activity shown by those Michael acceptors with a beta carbon hindered by an alkyl substituent was always lower or almost null. A three-way mechanism of action is proposed: a) reduced glutathione synthesis, b) prostaglandin synthesis and c) mucosal glycoprotein synthesis.