Anti-oxidative, anti-secretory and anti-inflammatory activities of the extract from the root bark of Lycium chinense (Cortex Lycii) against gastric ulcer in mice.

The evaluation of the antioxidant, anti-secretory and anti-inflammatory potentials of the ethyl acetate fraction (ELC) from the root bark of Lycium chinense against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice and the possible mechanisms underlying this action was performed. The results indicated that oral administration of ELC (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) before ethanol-induced ulcer increased the gastric mucus content, restored the superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels, reduced malondialdehyde levels and inhibited the activity of myeloperoxidase. Furthermore, ELC displayed its anti-secretory activity by decreasing the gastric juice and increased the gastric pH and reduced pro-inflammatory markers and caspase-3 tissue levels. These results suggest that L. chinense displays gastroprotective properties as a result of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-secretory and anti-apoptotic effects.