Zantac Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Zantac, including details on ranitidine, side-effects, allergic reactions, information.

The gastric ulcer protective and healing role of cysteine proteinases from Carica candamarcensis.

Mello VJ, Gomes MT, Lemos FO, Delfino JL, Andrade SP, Lopes MT, Salas CE

Departamento de Farmacologia, ICB, Universidade Federal Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil.

Latex from Caricaceae contains proteolytic enzymes localized in the fruit, which are used ethnopharmacologically to treat digestive disorders. Some of these proteins display proliferative properties when probed with mammalian cells, suggesting a role in the reconstruction of wounded tissue. We tested the efficacy of a proteolytic fraction derived from Carica candamarcensis, designated as P1G10 in experimental rodent models, to protect and heal chemically induced gastric ulcers. The protective effect of oral administration of P1G10 fraction was analyzed in indomethacin-treated Wistar animals. The healing effect of P1G10 was studied following sub-serous injection of acetic acid in a Wistar rat model. The results show that P1G10 between 0.1 and 10 mg/kg protect indomethacin but not ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. The maximal protection attained was 67% with 10 mg/kg of P1G10. The healing rate by 10 mg/kg of P1G10 using the acetic acid ulcerogenic model is similar to that of omeprazole (10 mg/kg) or ranitidine (100 mg/kg). The effect of P1G10 at 10 mg/kg seems to be mediated by an increase in the mucus content by 25% and stimulation of angiogenesis by 64% in a manner similar to growth factors. These results confirm the protective and healing role of proteinases from C. candamarcensis.

Published 31 March 2008 in Phytomedicine, 15(4): 237-44.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Zantac Research Today. All Rights Reserved.