The antiulcerogenic effect of aescine was studied on cold restraint, pylorus-ligated and absolute ethanol induced ulcers in comparison to ranitidine and carbenoxolone. Gastric mucus output, total protein and hexosamines content were measured. In pyloric-ligated animals, acidity, as well as biochemical assay of pepsin, histamine, sodium and potassium electrolytes were also determined. Oral treatment with aescine was found to be effective in the prevention of gastric ulceration induced by absolute ethanol, although mucus secretion was not enhanced. In pyloric-ligated animals aescine showed a considerable reduction in the number and severity of ulcers. A significant reduction in gastric secretion was also observed.
