Anti-secretagogue, antiulcer and cytoprotective properties of Acorus calamus in rats

Abstract

The ethanolic extract of A. calamus was studied in rats for its ability to inhibit gastric secretion and to protect gastroduodenal mucosa against the injuries caused by pyloric ligation, indomethacin, reserpine and cysteamine administration and cytodestructive agents including 80% ethanol, 0.6 M HCl, 0.2 M NaOH and 25% NaCl. An oral dose of 500 mg/kg of the extract showed significant anti-secretory and antiulcerogenic activity in rats subjected to pyloric ligation, indomethacin, reserpine and cysteamine administration. The extract had highly significant protective effect against cytodestructive agents. These findings support the use of calamus for the treatment of gastropathy in traditional medicine.