The Preventive Effect on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Lesions of the Medicinal PlantPlumeria rubra: Involvement of the Latex Proteins in the NO/cGMP/KATPSignaling Pathway

Abstract

Plumeria rubra(Apocynaceae) is frequently used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, hepatitis, and tracheitis, among other infirmities. The aim of this study was to investigate the gastroprotective potential of a protein fraction isolated from the latex ofPlumeria rubra(PrLP) against ethanol-induced gastric lesions and describe the underlying mechanisms. In a dose-dependent manner, the pretreatment with PrLP prevented ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice after single intravenous administration. The gastroprotective mechanism of PrLP was associated with the involvement of prostaglandins and balance of oxidant/antioxidant factors. Secondarily, the NO/cGMP/KATPpathway and activation of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferents were also demonstrated as part of the mechanism. This study shows that proteins extracted from the latex ofP.rubraprevent gastric lesions induced in experimental animals. Also, the results support the use of the plant in folk medicine.