Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill) has been recommended for its analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and laxative effects in traditional medicine [1]. The effects of Rosa damascena boiled extract on gastric emptying was previously reported by this group [2]. The effect of the extract on gastric acid secretion has been investigated in this research. Twenty rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups. All rats were fasted for 24h and then received either atropine (100μg/kg, ip) or placebo. The abdomen was opened under anesthesia, and the pylorus was ligated. The boiled extract of Rosa damascena (1500mg/kg) or placebo was injected into the duodenum. Cardia was ligated 4h later and the stomach was removed. The acidity of the stomach content was measured using NaOH 0.01N for titration and phenolphthalein as an indicator. The acidity in the test group (receiving the extract) was significantly higher (0.730±0.086mEq/L) compared to that of the control group (0.381±0.060 mEq/L). The acidity in atropine receiving groups was significantly lower, with or without the extract (0.174±0.020 and 0.191±0.024mEq/L respectively). The current results suggest strong stimulatory effect on gastric acid secretion for the boiled extract of Roza damascena in rats. This effect seems to be mediated via acetylcholine.

Keywords