[Therapeutic Effect of Astaxanthin on Acetic Acid-induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats]

This study is to investigate therapeutic effect of astaxanthin on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Rats were divided into control group, ulcer control group, and astaxanthin (5, 10, and 25 mg x kg(-1)) groups at random, 8 rats in each group. After administered for 10 days consecutively, all the rats were sacrificed. The area of ulcer and the levels of MDA, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in gastric mucosa were measured. Compared with ulcer control group, in astaxanthin (5, 10, and 25 mg x kg(-1)) groups, the area of ulcer was decreased significantly. Level of MDA decreased while activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px increased (P < 0.05). Astaxanthin has good therapeutic effect on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Eliminating free radical and improving local blood circulation of the ulcer may be the mechanism of action.