Effect of 2'-carboxymethoxy-4,4'-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy) chalcone (sofalcone) on chronic gastric ulcers in rats.

The anti-ulcer effect of sofalcone, an isoprenyl chalcone derivative, on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers in rats was studied histologically and histochemically. After administrations of sofalcone at 50 and 200 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days, contraction of the ulcer, mucosal regeneration, accelerated development of the collagen fibers in the granulation tissue at the base of the ulcer, and increase of acid mucopolysaccharides, an alcian blue stain-positive substance covering the regenerated mucosa, were noted. The healing effect of sofalcone was balanced in mucosal regeneration and connective tissue proliferation (formation of the collagen fibers). Sofalcone of 50 mg/kg showed a greater healing effect than gefarnate at the same dose and had a similar healing effect as L-glutamine at 200 mg/kg.