Methanolic extract of Tetracera potatoria, an antiulcer agent increases gastric mucus secretion and endogenous antioxidants

In this study, the possible mechanism(s) underlying the antiulcer activity of the methanolic extract of the root of Tetracera potatoria (MeTp) was studied in albino rats. Misoprostol and omeprazole were used as reference drugs. The animals had MeTp administered to them at varying doses of 100, 400 and 800 mg/kg for 15 days. MeTp significantly (P < 0.05) increased gastric mucus secretion and gastric mucus cell counts when compared to control. MeTp treated animals also showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in the activity of SOD with concurrent decrease in the level of MDA with respect to control. These findings suggest that part of the gastroprotective property of MeTp is associated with the ability of the extract to cause stimulation of gastric mucus secretion through increased number of gastric mucus cells. Increased SOD-activity and decreased MDA-levels further lend support to its gastroprotective effect.