Anti-ulcer activity
The effect of the Averrhoa carambola extract
(ACE) on gastric lesions was evaluated using
three experimental lesion models: lesions induced
by acidified ethanol, indomethacin and
acute stress. The rats were deprived of food for
24 h, but water was allowed. Acidified-ethanolinduced
ulcers were induced according to the
method described by Szabo 6, by intragastric instillation
of 5 mL/Kg of a solution of 60%
ethanol and 40% 0.3 M HCl solution. Ulcers
were also induced by indomethacin (30 mg/Kg,
s.c.) according to the method described by Hayden
and West 7. The method described by
Nagura 8 was used to induce stress ulcers. The
ACE, cimetidine, or a solution of 0.9% NaCl was
administered to different groups of animals 30
min before administration of the acidified
ethanol or indomethacin solutions. One hour after
the administration of the necrotizing agents,
the animals were killed by ether inhalation and
each stomach was examined for gastric lesions.
In the method for stress-induced ulcers, after intragastric
administration of saline, cimetidine, or
ACE, each animal was immobilized in a cylindrical
cage and immersed vertically in water to the
level of the xiphoid for 17 h at 23°-25°. After
this time, the animals were put down and evaluated
for gastric lesions. The stomachs were removed
and opened along the smaller curvature.
The ulcer index was evaluated according to
severity and scored using an arbitrary scale: 1=
petechial hemorrhage or minute pinpoint ulcers;
2=small ulcers; 3=more than two ulcers, with
mainly large ulcers.