Gastric anti-secretory and anti-ulcerogenic effects of Dombeya buettneri in rats.

The effects of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Dombeya buettneri on gastric acid secretion and ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage were studied in rats. Gastric acid secretion was measured by continuous perfusion in urethane-anaesthetised rats. Intragastric perfusion with the extract caused significant reduction in basal and histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion. Pretreatment with the extract also reduced the extent of gastric mucosal damage induced by oral ethanol (75% v/v), but had no effect on mucus secretion. It is suggested that the consumption of an extract of the leaves of D. buettneri may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcer disease.