Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5839134 | Journal of Ethnopharmacology | 2012 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevanceRhizophora mangle, the red mangrove, has long been known as a traditional antiulcer medicine. The present work evaluated the mechanisms of action involved in the anti-ulcer properties of the Rhizophora mangle bark extracts.Materials and methodsGastroprotection of Rhizophora mangle was evaluated in rodent experimental models (ethanol). To elucidate the mechanisms of action the antisecretory action and involvement of NO, SH, mucus and PGE2 were evaluated. The acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model, Western blotting assay (COX-1, COX-2 and EGF) and immunohistochemical localization of HSP-70, PCNA and COX-2 were also used to evaluate the Rhizophora mangle healing properties.ResultsResults showed that Rhizophora mangle bark crude extract (CE), as well as ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and butanolic fractions (BuOH) provided significant gastroprotection at all the tested doses. Thereby, the following protocols were performed using the lowest dose capable of producing the most effective gastroprotection, which was the BuOH 0.5Â mg/kg (PÂ <Â 0.001). Several mechanisms are involved in the antiulcer activity of Rhizophora mangle, such as, participation of NO, SH and mucus. The enhancement of PGE2 levels and the upregulation of COX-2 and EGF seem to be directly linked to the antisecretory, cytoprotective and healing effects of BuOH. HSP-70 and PCNA are also involved in this cicatrisation process. No sign of toxicity was observed in this study, considering the analyzed parameters.ConclusionOur study reinforces its traditional medicinal use. Considering that the current therapies are based on the use of antisecretory or cytoprotective drugs, the Rhizophora mangle arises as a promising alternative antiulcer therapy.
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Authors
Felipe Meira de-Faria, Ana Cristina Alves Almeida, Anderson Luiz-Ferreira, Ricardo José Dunder, Christiane Takayama, Maria Silene da Silva, Marcelo Aparecido da Silva, Wagner Vilegas, Ariane Leite Rozza, Cláudia Helena Pellizzon, Walber Toma,