Evaluation of the gastroprotective activity of 3-carbomethoxypyridine from <i>Pyrenacantha staudtii</i> Engl. (Icacinaceae) in rats

Abstract

3-carbomethoxypyridine (3-CMP, also known as methyl nicotinate) is a compound isolated and characterized from the leaves of a local plant, Pyrenacantha staudtii Engl. (Icacinaceae), and known to possess anti-ulcer effects. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible gastroprotective effects of 3-CMP. Various models of ulcer such as pylorus ligation ethanol-, ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats were employed. Anti-ulcer effect was assessed on the basis of the number of reduction in gastric mucosal lesions, increase in pH, and decrease in volume, free and total acidity of gastric juice. The compound produced a non-dose dependent protection of the gastric mucosa in ethanol-, ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced ulcerations with the highest effect at 25mg/kg. 3-CMP significantly decreased the secretion of gastric aggressive factors; free acidity and total acidity as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results obtained suggest that 3-CMP has anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties which may be attributed to its ability to reduce total acidity and free acidity, or mediated through the production of prostaglandins and free radical scavengers which protect the gastric mucosa.

Keywords: 3-Carbomethoxypyridine; Pylorus ligation; Indomethacin; Ethanol; Ranitidine; Catalase