A polysaccharide fraction from "ipê-roxo" (Handroanthus heptaphyllus) leaves with gastroprotective activity.

A polysaccharide fraction from Handroanthus heptaphyllus leaves was obtained with a simple and quick purification method. Methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy indicated the presence of a complex polysaccharide fraction mainly constituted by a type II arabinogalactan. This is the first report in literature on structural elucidation of polysaccharides of species from genus Handroanthus. Oral and intraperitoneal administration of the polysaccharide fraction from Handroanthus heptaphyllus (HHSF) protected the gastric mucosa in an acute model of gastric lesion induced by ethanol, preserving gastric mucus. Furthermore, in the indomethacin model, HHSF reduced wounded area and inhibited mucus and GSH depletion. HHSF also accelerated gastric ulcer healing, accompanied by the maintenance of GSH levels. In addition, in an oxidative stress model with human epithelial cell line (Caco-2), HHSF was able to preserve GSH levels and was not toxic to cells. Collectively, these results showed that HHSF has an interesting antiulcerogenic activity and could constitute an interesting option for the treatment of gastric ulcer.