Abstract
The intraperitoneal administration of an aqueous extract of Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) to rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight prevented the occurrence of stress ulcers
under exposure to a cold atmosphere (3-5° C) or on restraint in water (22-24° C).
This extract, which was administered to rats orally or intraperitoneally, also strongly
inhibited gastric ulcers induced by a subcutaneous injection of serotonin in rats.
Pharmacological studies have shown that the aqueous extract not only inhibits gastric
secretion, but also promotes gastric mucosal blood flow. These results suggest that
the antiulcerogenic effect of Chinese cinnamon is due to both the inhibition of aggressive
factors and the potentiation of a defensive factor.
