Prevention of HCl-ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury in rats by Garcinia cambogia extract and its possible mechanism of action.

Oral pretreatment of rats with G. cambogia fruit extract (1 g/kg body weight/day at interval of 7 and 15 days) protected gastric mucosa against HCl - ethanol induced damage by decreasing the volume and acidity of gastric juice. Increased lipid peroxidation, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, altered levels of protein and glycoproteins in the ulcerated mucosa, and gastric juice were maintained at near normal levels in G. cambogia pretreated rats. The results suggest the anti-ulcer activity of G. cambogia by virtue of its ability to decrease acidity and increase mucosal defense.