Gastroprotective effect of earthworm paste (Lampito mauritii, Kinberg) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats.

BACKGROUND For thousands of years, earthworm and its products have been used for its therapeutic benefits. The traditional medical knowledge of indigenous people throughout the world more particularly in Asia, including India, Myanmar, China, Korea and Vietnam has played vital role in identifying, extracting and using biologically active compounds from earthworms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Effect of various doses (20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg, po) of earthworm paste (Lampito mauritii, Kinberg) was studied on aspirin-induced gastric ulcer and compared to ranitidine. RESULTS The earthworm paste showed significant ulcer protective effects.The cytoprotective effect of the earthworm paste seems to be not only due to the anti-secretory action but also to the effects on mucosal glycoprotein. The decrease in total acidity, pepsin and protein content of the gastric juice proved the antiulceral activity of earthworm paste. Histopathological studies revealed that the earthworm paste was more effective in gastric cytoprotection than ranitidine in preventing lesion formation. CONCLUSIONS These observations show that the earthworm paste possess antiulcer potential.