Phytochemical Analyses and Gastroprotective Effects of Eugenia Umbelliflora (Myrtaceae) on Experimental Gastric Ulcers

• Published in: Natural product communications 2009-07, Vol.4 (7), p.911
• Main Authors: Meyre-Silva, Christiane, Petry, Cristiane Maes, Berté, Talita Elisa, Becker, Renan Gandolfi, Zanatta, Francielle, Delle-Monache, Franco, Cechinel-Filho, Valdir, Andrade, Sérgio Faloni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Anti-Ulcer Agents - chemistry; Anti-Ulcer Agents - pharmacology; Central Nervous System Depressants; Cholinergic Agents - pharmacology; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Cimetidine - pharmacology; Cold Temperature; Ethanol; Fruit - chemistry; Indomethacin; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Omeprazole - pharmacology; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Restraint, Physical; Stomach Ulcer - chemically induced; Stomach Ulcer - prevention & control; Stress, Psychological - complications; Syzygium - chemistry
• ISSN: 1934-578X; 1555-9475
• DOI: 10.1177/1934578X0900400706

Phytochemical studies of Eugenia umbelliflora Berg. (Myrtaceae) resulted in the isolation of: taraxerol, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, betulin and betulinic acid from the leaves, as well as trimethoxy ellagic acid from the fruits. Given that several triterpenes were found in the extracts, and that these possess gastroprotective activity, the gastroprotective activity of E. umbelliflora leaf extract was evaluated using ethanol, indomethacin, and stress-induced ulcer models in mice. The crude methanol extract was administrated (v.o) in doses of 50, 125 and 250 mg/kg. The results showed that E. umbelliflora leaves display gastroprotective activity, as demonstrated by significant inhibition of ulcer formation in the different models. The results suggest that the gastroprotective activity may be attributed, at least in part, to the triterpenes.