Effect of garlic oil on ethanol induced gastric ulcers in rats.

Garlic oil was evaluated for gastroprotective activity against ethanol induced ulcers. Reactive oxygen species are involved in the pathogenesis of these ulcers. The possible involvement of garlic oil in restraining the oxidation process produced in gastric tissue was also investigated. The ulcer index, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity (GPx, catalase, SOD) were determined. Pretreatment with garlic oil in doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg, 30 min before administration of ethanol (1 mL of 100%) caused a decrease in ulcer index and lipid peroxidation and ameliorated the decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels caused by ethanol. The result suggests that garlic oil possesses antioxidant properties and provides protection against ethanol induced gastric injury. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.