Journal of Ethnopharmacology 63 (1998) 187–192
Evaluation of possible mechanism of anti-ulcerogenic activity of
UL-409, a herbal preparation
M.V. Venkataranganna, S. Gopumadhavan, R. Sundaram, S.K. Mitra *
R&D Centre, The Himalaya Drug Company Bangalore-562 123, India
Received 6 January 1998; received in revised form 23 January 1998; accepted 27 January 1998
Abstract
UL-409, a herbal preparation was investigated for its anti-ulcerogenic activity and possible mechanism of action in
different experimental models. Oral administration of UL-409 at a dose of 600 mg/kg significantly reduced the volume
of gastric secretion, total acidity and free acidity in aspirin+pylorus-ligated rats. The drug appeared to strengthen the
gastric mucosal defense mechanism by significantly increasing the total carbohydrate:protein ratio in aspirin+py-
lorus-ligated rats. The major mechanism involved appears to be due to promotion of mucosal protection by
augmenting gastric mucin activity. Pre-treatment with UL-409 showed inhibition of alcohol-induced contraction of
isolated rat fundus preparation which was reversed by indomethacin suggesting a possible involvement of the
cyclo-oxygenase system. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: aspirin; Cytoprotection; Dissolved mucosubstances; Pylorus ligation; UL-409
1. Introduction
Frequent complications of peptic ulcer disease
have stimulated considerable research. Investiga-
tions into the pathogenesis have developed the
concept that ulceration results from imbalance
between factors that produce epithelial and deeper
mucosal injury and those that protect the mucosa
and facilitate its repair. Interestingly, although
gastric acid is necessary for the development of an
ulcer, most patients with peptic ulcer do not
secrete an absolute excess of the acid (Soll, 1989).
The introduction of drugs like H2 receptor an-
tagonists provides an effective and safe way to
achieve a sustained control of gastric acid secre-
tion. Drugs like omeprazole offer a different and
potent way