Gastroprotective effect of Copaifera langsdorffii oleo-resin on experimental gastric ulcer models in rats.

The effects of oleo-resin obtained from the stem bark of Copaifera langsdorffii on ethanol, indomethacin and hypothermic restraint-stress induced gastric lesions were studied in rats. Oral administration of oleo-resin at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg provided dose-dependent significant protection against gastric damage caused by ethanol and restraint stress, and at a dose of 400 mg/kg it also prevented the gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin. Further, in the 4 h pylorus ligated rats, the accumulation of gastric juice volume and the mucus secretion was significantly enhanced by oleo-resin whereas the total acidity was inhibited. These results highlight the gastroprotective potential of C. langsdorffii oleo-resin and the need for a systematic study on this traditional remedy.