Inhibitory effect of fumaric acid and dicarboxylic acids on gastric ulceration in rats.

Production of gastric ulcerations in rats by pyloric ligation was found to be inhibited by either intraperitoneal or oral administration of fumaric acid in a dose of 50 mg per kg. The antiulcer action was also exhibited by the four-carbon dicarboxylic acids, maleic acid, oxalacetic acid, succinic acid and malic acid. The studies on fumaric acid indicated that the acid's antiulcer action was based on its ability to inhibit the gastric juice secretion and to dilate the stomach muscle.