Anti-ulcer constituents of Annona squamosa Twigs

Abstract

Phytochemical investigation of Annona squamosa twigs, resulted in isolation and identification of twelve known (1-12) compounds among them one 1-(4-β-D-glucopyranosyloxyphenyl)-2-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-ethane (11) is synthetically known but first time isolated from natural sources. Their structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. The isolated compounds (2-8, 11) were evaluated for H+ K+-ATPase activity. Three of these compounds (+)-O-methylarmepavine (2), N-methylcorydaldine (3), isocorydine (6) showed promising anti-secretory activity. Activity of these compounds, comparable to standard drug omeprazole is novel to our finding. Moreover, there is no information accessible regarding the pharmacological effect of Annona squamosa on the gastrointestinal system. This study is the first of its kind to show significant anti-ulcer effect of Annona squamosa. Present study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of Annona squamosa (AS) and to identify its active constituents. Anti-ulcer activity was evaluated against cold restraint (CRU), pyloric ligation (PL), aspirin (ASP), alcohol (AL) induced gastric ulcer and histamine (HA) induced duodenal ulcer model and further confirmed through in vitro assay of H+ K+-ATPase activity and plasma gastrin level. AS and its chloroform and hexane fraction attenuated ulcer formation in CRU, PL, HA model and displayed anti-secretory activity in vivo through reduced free, total acidity and pepsin in PL, confirmed by in vitro inhibition of H+ K+-ATPase activity with corresponding decrease in plasma gastrin level. Cytoprotection of AS was apparent with protection in AL, ASP models and enhanced mucin level in PL.