Phytochemical analyses and gastroprotective effects of Eugenia umbelliflora (Myrtaceae) on experimental gastric ulcers.

Phytochemical studies of Eugenia umbelliflora Berg. (Myrtaceae) resulted in the isolation of: taraxerol, alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, betulin and betulinic acid from the leaves, as well as trimethoxy ellagic acid from the fruits. Given that several triterpenes were found in the extracts, and that these possess gastroprotective activity, the gastroprotective activity of E. umbelliflora leaf extract was evaluated using ethanol, indomethacin, and stress-induced ulcer models in mice. The crude methanol extract was administrated (v.o) in doses of 50, 125 and 250 mg/kg. The results showed that E. umbelliflora leaves display gastro-protective activity, as demonstrated by significant inhibition of ulcer formation in the different models. The results suggest that the gastroprotective activity may be attributed, at least in part, to the triterpenes.