Experimental study on treatment of epigastralgia with Shugan Pills / 中成药

ABSTRACT

AIM: To study the action of Shugan Pills (SHGP) (Fructus Toosendan, Rhizoma corydalis, Radix Paloniae Albe, Radix Aucklandiae, Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, Fructus Aurantii, etc.) on treatment of epigastralgia. METHODS: The analgesic effect was tested by the hot plate test and writhing method. The anti gastric ulcer action of SHGP was observed on the gastric ulcer induced by water immersion stress, reserpine and absolute ethyl alcohol. The effect on gastric secretion in rats was studied with pylorus ligation. The effect on gastrointestinal motility was observed by determination of gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion ability in mouse. RESULTS: SHGP enhanced hot pain threhshold and decreased the number of twisting body in mouse. SHGP markedly inhibited gastric ulcer induced by water immersion stress, reserpine and absolute ethyl alcohol. SHGP significantly inhibited the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin and promoted the secretion of gastric mucus. SHGP markedly delayed gastric emptying in normal mouse and when gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion was stimulated by neostigmine. SHGP faintly strengthed the effect of atropine on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility. CONCLUSION: Shugan Pills could have analgesic effect, anti gastric ulcer action, it inhibited the secrection of gastric juice and the activity of gastric smooth muscle. These effects might be the pharmacological mechanisms of SHGP on treatment of epigastralgia.