Gastroprotective effect of Cissus sicyoides (Vitaceae): involvement of microcirculation, endogenous sulfhydryls and nitric oxide.
OBJECTIVE
Cissus sicyoides L. is a medicinal plant popularly known in Brazil against various diseases and the research interest in this plant is justifiable because of its potential medicinal value in stomachache and gastric ulcer.


METHODS
The methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Cissus sicyoides (Cc) was evaluated for the ability to protect the gastric mucosa against injuries caused by necrotizing agents (0.3 M HCl/60% EtOH, absolute ethanol, piroxicam and pylorus ligature) in rodents. We also evaluated microcirculation, antioxidant action and participation of NO (nitric oxide) and sulfhydryls (SH) groups in the Cc gastroprotective action.


RESULTS
Administration of Cc significantly reduced gastric lesions induced by different ulcerogenic agents in rodents. This extract administered by oral route significantly increased gastric volume without exerting antisecretory effect. The Cc effect involved an increase of the defense mechanism of the gastrointestinal mucosa such as NO and SH groups that prevent and attenuate the ulcer process. The Cc also has antioxidant property against oxidative stress but does not modify microcirculation response in gastric mucosa.


CONCLUSIONS
These results confirmed the traditional use of Cissus sicyoides for the treatment of gastric ulcer.
de Paula Ferreira
Mariana
M
Physiology Department, Biosciences Institute, CP 510,UNESP-São Paulo State University, 18618-000 Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
Nishijima
Catarine Massucato
CM
Seito
Leonardo Norobu
LN
Dokkedal
Anne Ligia
AL
Lopes-Ferreira
Mônica
M
Di Stasi
Luiz Cláudio
LC
Vilegas
Wagner
W
Hiruma-Lima
Clélia Akiko
CA
D000818:Animals; D032422:Cissus; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008833:Microcirculation; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000502:physiology*
D010936:Plant Extracts; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D009569:Nitric Oxide