Angelica sinensis modulates migration and proliferation of gastric epithelial cells

A crude extract from Angelica sinensis (ASCE), which mainly consists of polysaccharides, pre vents ethanol- or indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage and promotes ulcer healing. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that ASCE has a direct stimulating effect on gastric epithelial cells for wound healing. We found that ASCE significantly promoted the migration of epithelial cells over an artificial wound on the surface of an RGM-1 monolayer. The extract also stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner and concomitantly increased EGF mRNA expression. Go-incubation of ASCE with anti-EGF antibody reduced the speed of mi,oration and the DNA synthesis, which however were still higher than the control without ASGE. These results strongly suggest that ASCE has a direct wound healing effect on gastric mucosa, and this is acting partially through an EGF-mediated pathway. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.