RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of Xiaoruzeng capsule on the gastric acid and pepsin in rats. METHODS:Rats were randomized into a blank group (distilled water),a positive control group (3.6 mg/kg omeprazole ) and the groups of low, middle and high doses of Xiaoruzeng capsule [2.25,4.5,9.1 g(crude drug)/kg]. These groups were respectively marked as groups A,B,C,D and E,with 10 rats in each group. All the rats were given corresponding drugs,ig,for consecutive 10 d. Their suc-cus gastricus was collected 3 h after the last administration,and determined for pH value with precision pH test strip and for free acidity and total acidity by acid-base neutralization titration method. The content and activity of pepsin were determined and calculat-ed with the test kit and microplate reader. The pathological change of the stomach was observed under the electron microscope. RE-SULTS:Compared with group A,groups B,C and D had higher pH value of succus gastricus;groups C,D and E had lower free acidity;groups B,C and D had lower total acidity,group E had higher total acidity;groups B,D and E had lower activity of pep-sin;and group C had higher content of pepsin. Compared with group B,group D had lower pH value of succus gastricus;group C had lower total acidity;group E had higher acidity;and groups C,D and E had higher activity of pepsin. There was statistical sig-nificance(P<0.01 or P<0.05). Gastric mucosal erosive haemorrhage was noted in three rats in group E,and other groups demon-strated no obvious pathological change. CONCLUSIONS:Low dose of Xiaoruzeng capsule can slightly inhibit the gastric acid in rats,but will not effect the activity of pepsin.