Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: This study is aimed at investigating the anti-gastric ulcer activity of Brucea javanica oil (BJO) on pylorus ligation (PL) and glacial
acetic acid (GAA) -induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats. BJO, the drug tested, was used to treat gastric ulcer and its potency
observed at the doses of 0.15, 0.30 and 0.60 ml/kg (i.v.). Cimetidine was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a dose of 140 mg/kg as the
positive control. Total acidity, inhibitory rate of gastric acid and activity of pepsin were measured in the rats with gastric ulcer
induced by pylorus ligation. Ulcer scores as well as inhibitory rates of gastric ulcer were determined in the rats suffering pylorus
ligation and those with glacial acetic acid injury respectively. In addition, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for histopathologic
examination was utilized to confirm further the effect of BJO against the gastric ulcer induced by pylorus ligation. The results
show that BJO significantly reduces the ulcer scores, total acidity and the incidence of ulcer, and enhances the inhibitory effects
on gastric ulcer and gastric acid production, although no significant changes were detected in the activity of pepsin. Based on
the outcome of the treatment of the rats with BJO which was significantly superior to that of the control, it is inferred that
Brucea javanica oil injection is an effective treatment for gastric ulcers in some of pathological models of rats. However, more
investigation on precise mechanisms of the action is needed.

Key words: Brucea javanica oil injection, pylorus ligation, gastric ulcer, rats, HE staining