Antigastric ulcer effects in rats of Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger extract

The antigastric effects of Aloe arborescens Miller var. natalensis Berger extract with high molecular weight components ((A) MW over 5000 and (B) MW over 50 000)) were examined by changes of ulcer index with three different experimental models in rats. The suppressive effects were evaluated under (1) stress (immobilization in water) and (2) ligation of pylorus, and the healing effects were likewise examined with the (3) acetic acid test. Both fractions showed a slight suppressive effect on the stressed animals. However, in the groups with pylorus ligation, Aloe extract (A) significantly disclosed suppressive effects. Furthermore, the same Aloe fraction heated at 100°C for 15 min also demonstrated a significant effect on animals with pylorus ligation. Rats induced with acetic acid exhibited a significant healing effect. However, fraction (B) produced only a slight beneficial effect.