Gastroprotective effects of Stachys Lavandulifolia extract on experimental gastric ulcer

Several studies have used Stachys Lavandulifolia vahl (S. lavandulifolia) as medicinal plant in Iranian folk medicine. The present investigation is designed to elucidatetherapeutic and preventive effects of S. lavandulifolia extract on gastric acid and pepsin secretions in experimental gastric ulcer. Thirty two Wistar male rats were used to study therapeutic and preventive effects of S. lavandulifolia extract on alcohol-induced gastric ulcer. Animals were equally (n=8) divided into 4 groups: (I) Control (II) Alcohol (1 ml/200 g/bw) to induce gastric ulcer (III) Alcohol/Lvandu (100 mg/kg bw/daily, S. lavandulifoliaextract was given for two weeks post alcohol administration) and (IV) Lvandu/alcohol (S. lavandulifolia extract was given for two weeks before alcohol administration). Ulcer index, gastric acid and pepsin secretions was measured. Ulcer index was significantly decreased in alcohol/Lvandu than Alcohol group. Also gastric acid and pepsin secretions, and gastric tissue’s NO metabolites level were significantly lower in alcohol and Lvandu/alcohol groups than control (p<0/05). But changes in gastric acid and pepsin secretions have not been noticeable in alcohol/Lvandu group than control. The results of this study show that S. lavandulifolia extract protected gastric mucosa from alcohol-induced gastric ulcer. This gastroprotection may mediate via gastric mucosal nitric oxide production.   Key words: Stachys Lavandulifolia, acid, pepsin, nitric oxide.