Antiulcer activity of Feijoa sellowiana L. (Mirtaceae): morphological study

In a project, financed by Regione Sicilia, several studies on tropical fruits, obtained from experimental cultivations located in Sicily (Milazzo- MESSINA), were carried out. This project aims at implementing the cultivation of tropical fruit in Sicily through phytochemical and biological studies.

This paper reports the preliminary results of the study about the effect of Feijoa sellowiana L. var. coolidge fruit, on gastric mucosa. The activity of methanolic extract of the fruit was studied on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat.

2g/Kg of extract were administered to the rats and, 1h later, the ulcer was induced by administration 0.5ml of ethanol (90%). Samples of gastric mucosa, stained by PAS and Hematoxilin/Eosin, have been observed by light microscopy.

The results verify that preventive treatment with F. sellowiana fruit methanolic extract inhibits the ulcerogenic effect of ethanol. Actually the mucosal surface appears undamaged and the microscopic evaluations show an increase of mucus, mostly in glandular pits.

These fruits contain many antioxidant compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, steroidal saponin, ascorbic acid and minerals [1]. Besides, our study in progress shows in the fruit the presence of pectins and mucilages

The protective effect on gastric mucosa could depend on the flavonoids which can stimulate prostaglandins synthesis and therefore favour mucus and bicarbonate secretion and increase mucosal blood flow.

Certainly, the antioxidant potential of the fruit plays a protective role by removing damaging agents from the gastric mucosa, but it is possible to suppose a synergistic activity of all the active principles.

References: [1] Mantas, A. et al. (2000)J. Mol. Struct. (Theochem) 504:77–103.