Effect
of Ambrex (an Amber based formulation) on Gastric Mucosal Damage:
Role of Antioxidant Enzymes and Lipid Profile
Mallika
Jainu and C. S. Shyamala Devi*
Department of Biochemistry,
University of Madras, Guindy Campus,
Chennai
– 600 025
( Received on March 22, 2004)
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Abstract : The present work has been undertaken to study the
effect of ambrex, a polyherbal formulation on experimental gastric
ulceration and their possible antioxidative mechanism to cure
ulcer. Gastric mucosal damage was produced in rats by
administering 200 mg/kg orally. Aspirin was found to cause severe
haemorrhagic lesions mainly through oxidative damage of the mucosa
as indicated by increased lipid peroxidation, conjugated diene,
protein carbonyl content, decreased levels of antioxidant defense
enzymes and alteration in the lipid levels. This damage was
treated with the aqueous extract of ambrex (40 mg/kg) for 15 days
orally. Pre-administration of ambrex at a dose of 40 mg/kg,
decreased the ulcer index, lipid peroxidation, conjugated diene
and protein carbonyl content and increased the antioxidant enzyme
levels. The lipid levels were maintained at near normalcy when
treated with ambrex in aspirin administered rats. The major
mechanism involved appears due to free radical scavenging action
and changes in lipid profile.
Key words : aspirin
ambrex
lipids
antioxidants
