Antiulcerogenicity of the flavonoid fraction from Erica andevalensis Cabezudo-Rivera

Investigations were carried out to determine the antiulcerogenicity of the flavonoid fraction (ethyl acetate extract) of Erica andevalensis Cabezudo-Rivera on gastric ulceration induced by different experimental models. Oral treatment with the ethyl acetate extract and the major flavonoid (myricetin 3-O-D-galactoside) were found to be effective to prevent gastric ulceration induced by cold-restraint stress in rats. Statistically significant ulcer index values with respect to the control group were observed. Mucus content was not increased although it was accompanied by an increase in proteins and hexosamines. In pyloric-ligated animals flavonoids showed a significant reduction in the number and severity of the ulcers. Under the same conditions acidity did not decrease with the flavonoid extract and myricetin 3-O-D-galactoside significantly as compared to control. Gastric ulcers induced by oral administration of absolute ethanol were reduced by pretreatment with the flavonoid extract of doses from 125 to 250 mg/kg and the isolated flavonoid of 25 mg/kg p.o. However neither the flavonic extract nor the isolated flavonoid induced changes in the amount and glycoprotein content of gastric mucus.