The effects of
Quassia amara
extract (
Q. amara) and its bioactive principles-quassin and 2-methoxycanthin-6-one on
gastric ulceration were studied in albino rats.
Q. amara (200-800 mg/kg p.o.; 5-20 mg/kg i.p) and 2-methoxycanthin-6-one (12.5,
25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg p.o; 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg i.p) but not quassin (12.5, 25.0 and 50 mg/kg p.o; 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg i.p) significantly
inhibited gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin (40mg/kg). Administration of
Q. amara (800 mg/kg p.o and 20 mg/kg i.p)
and 2-methoxycanthin-6-one (12.5 mg/kg p.o; 4 mg/kg i.p) caused between 77%-85% cytoprotection against indomethacin (40
mg/kg, i.p) – induced gastric ulceration. Quassin did not cause any significant change in indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration.
The inhibition of gastric ulceration produced by
Q. amara and 2-methoxycanthin-6 one was accompanied by significant dosedependent
decreases (P< 0.01) in total gastric acidity. To investigate the probable mechanism of action, the individual effects of
the extract and its principles alone and in combination with histamine (1 mg/kg) or cimetidine (0.12 mg/kg) on gastric acid
secretion
in situ were studied.
Q. amara (20 mg/kg) and 2-methoxycanthin-6-one (4 mg/kg) but not quassin significantly (P<
0.01) inhibited the basal and histamine-induced gastric acid secretion. Inhibition of gastric acid secretion by
Q. amara and 2-
methoxycanthin-6-one was accentuated by cimetidine. The results suggest that
Q. amara and its bioactive principle, 2-
methoxycanthin-6-one possess antiulcer activity probably acting via histamine H
2 receptor. This could be a potential source of
potent and effective antiulcer agents.
