Gastroprotective properties of Lupeol-derived ester: Pre-clinical evidences of Lupeol-stearate as a potent antiulcer agent

Lupeol (1) was isolated from hexane branch extract of Maytenus salicifolia and the Lupeol stearate (2), Lupeol palmitate (3), Lupeol myristate (4), Lupeol laurate (5) and Lupeol caprylate (6) were obtained reacting 1 with an adequate carboxylic acid. Swiss mice were treated with vehicle, carbenoxolone or Lupeol esters before administration of ethanol/HCl or indomethacin. Additionally, the involvement of nitric oxide (NO), sulfhydryl compounds (NP-SH), α-2 adrenergic receptors (α2-AR) and prostaglandins (PGE) in antiulcer effects was investigated using appropriate inhibitors or antagonist. Oxidative and inflammatory parameters were measured after euthanasia and anti-secretory effects was evaluated in pylorus-ligated rats. Ethanol/HCl ulcerated the gastric mucosa by 64.45 ± 6.58 mm², which the oral treatment with 1, 4 and 6 (10 mg/kg), and 3 and 5 (30 mg/kg) reduced the lesion area. Interestingly, 2 reduced the gastric ulcer by oral route in a potent and dose-dependent manner (ED₅₀ = 0.40 mg/kg), which was accompanied by the increase in reduced glutathione levels and by the reduction of lipids peroxidation and myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Moreover, 2 (0.1 mg/kg) also prevented the ulcerogenesis by intraperitoneal route. The participation of NO, NP-SH, α2-AR and PGE in 2-mediated gastroprotection was confirmed. In indomethacin-induced ulcer, 2 (1 mg/kg, p.o) also reduced the ulcer area and increased the PGE₂ levels. However, 2 did not alter the gastric acid secretion. Therefore, these findings indicate that the obtention of 2 potentiated the antiulcer activity of 1 and that this compound can elicit gastroprotective action due a diversified mode of action.