The chemical constituents and gastroprotective effects of Calanthe fimbriata Franch.

Calanthe fimbriata Franch. is a Tujia ethnic herb, which has traditionally been used to treat gastric ulcers, chronic hepatitis, etc. We explored the chemical constitutes, gastroprotective effects, and the active fraction of C. fimbriata, as well as elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Firstly, four in vitro antioxidant tests were applied to determine the oxidation resistance of C. fimbriata methanol extract and its fractions. The gastroprotective effects were evaluated in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rats, gastric histopathology was visualized by H&E staining, and the acidity of gastric juice was measured by titrating with NaOH solution. The contents of malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, gastrin, and the activity of H+K+-ATPase were estimated using commercial kits. EtOAc fraction of C. fimbriata methanol extract (CfEF) exhibited significant gastroprotective effects by ameliorating stomach pathological changes and elevating the pH value of gastric juice. It also manifested remarkable antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. Using various chromatographic methods and spectroscopic techniques, 22 compounds were isolated and characterized from CfEF, in which alkaloids were the predominant components. All of these substances were derived from C. fimbriata for the first time. The results indicated that CfEF is a promising source of gastroprotective agents. The antioxidant activity of this herb, as well as prevention of gastrin secretion and inhibition of H+K+ -ATPase, was found to be the underlying mechanism of action.