Evaluation of the gastric antiulcerogenic effects of Portulaca oleracea L. extracts in mice

Portulaca oleracea is commonly used in Iranian folk medicine. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts were studied in mice for their ability to inhibit gastric lesions induced by HCl or absolute ethanol. In addition, their effects on gastric acid secretion were measured. Both extracts showed a dose-dependent reduction in severity of ulcers. The highest dose of extracts exerted similar activity to sucralfate. The oral and intraperitoneal administration of extracts reduced the gastric acidity in pylorus-ligated mice. These results suggest that Portulaca oleracea has gastroprotective action and validates its use in folk medicine for gastrointestinal diseases. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.