Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background & Aim: Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. is a plant widely used in Iranian traditional medicine. Several reports have demonstrated antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Ziziphora clinopodioides. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of aqueous-ethanol extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides on rat’s gastric acid secretion and its probable mechanism.

Material and Method: In this interventional experimental study, 24 Wistar rats weighing 200-250g were randomly divided into two groups: test and control. Tracheostomy and gastroduodenostomy procedures were performed on each rat. Gastric content was collected for 15 minutes by washout technique. 1 ml of three dosages (0. 5, 1 and 2 mg/kg) was introduced into the stomach of each rat in the test group and the same volume of saline was used in the control group. Total titratable acid was measured by a titrator. Data were shown as mean±SEM and analyzed by unpaired t-test. P<0. 05 was considered significant.

Results: The extract inhibited acid secretion significantly in basal condition, but in vagotomized condition this inhibitory effect on acid secretion disappeared and the extract showed a stimulatory effect at the dose of 2mg/kg. Also,the extract showed an inhibitory effect at the dose of 1mg/kg in vagal stimulation condition.

Conclusion: The extract exerted an inhibitory effect on acid secretion in basal and vagal stimulation conditions. The inhibitory effect of the extract was exerted via gastric vagal parasympathetic nerve.