Anti‐ulcerogenic activity of fulvic acids and 4′‐methoxy‐6‐carbomethoxybiphenyl isolated from shilajit

Abstract

Fulvic acids (FA) and 4′‐methoxy‐6‐carbomethoxybiphenyl (MCB, 1), two major organic compounds isolated from Shilajit (a humus product), were screened for anti‐ulcerogenic activity in albino rats. Both FA and MCB showed significant anti‐ulerogenic effects in the battery of tests accepted for this purpose. The mechanism of anti‐ulcerogenic action was studied with MCB on the basis of its effects on mucin content (gastric juice carbohydrates and carbohydrate/protein ratio) and on the concentration of DNA and protein in the gastric juice. The MCB‐induced changes in the mucosa provided resistance against the effect of ulcerogens and also against shedding of mucosal cells. A preliminary acute toxicity study indicated that both FA and MCB had a low order of toxicity. Copyright © 1988 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.