Effect of Centella asiatica Linn on physical and chemical factors induced gastric ulceration and secretion in rats.

Centella asiatica is commonly mentioned as a Rasayana in Ayurveda, an ancient system of Indian medicine for various ailments including abdominal disorders. Rasayanas have been advocated for use in rejuvenation therapy. The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible anti-ulcerogenic activity of fresh juice of C. asiatica (CAJ) against ethanol-, aspirin-, cold-restraint stress- and pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcers in rats. The drug given orally in doses of 200 and 600 mg/kg twice daily for five days, showed significant protection against all the above experimental ulcer models and the results were comparable with those elicited by sucralfate (SF, 250 mg/kg, p.o., BD x 5 days). CAJ showed little or no effect on offensive acid-pepsin secretion. However, at 600 mg/kg CAJ significantly increased gastric juice mucin secretion and increased the mucosal cell glycoproteins signifying increase in cellular mucus. It also decreased cell shedding indicating fortification of mucosal barrier. Thus, the ulcer protective effect of CAJ may be due to strengthening of the mucosal defensive factors.