Menthofuran is a
monoterpene present in various
essential oils derived from species from Mentha genus, and in Brazil, those species are widely used in treating gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Considering the wide pharmacological potential of
monoterpenes, including their
antioxidant activity, this study aimed to evaluate
menthofuran-gastroprotective activity, as well as the involvement of
antioxidant mechanisms in this effect. The acute toxicity was evaluated according to the fixed dose method. The antiulcerogenic activity was investigated by using experimental models of
gastric ulcers induced by
ethanol,
indomethacin, and
ischemia/reperfusion in rats. The antisecretory gastric activity, the
catalase activity, and the gastric wall mucus were determined in pylorus ligated rats. Gastric wall nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) group content,
myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and
malondialdehyde (MDA) content were evaluated in
ethanol-induced the
gastric ulcer model.
Menthofuran (2 g/kg) presented low acute toxicity and showed gastroprotective activity against
ethanol-,
indomethacin-, and
ischemia/reperfusion-induced
ulcers. Moreover,
menthofuran presented antisecretory activity, reduced the total acidity, and increased pH of gastric secretion. On the other hand, a decrease in mucus content of gastric wall without alteration of gastric juice volume and
catalase activity was observed. Interestingly,
menthofuran increased NPSH levels and reduced MDA levels and MPO activity. Gastroprotective effects of
menthofuran appear to be mediated, at least in part, by the NOS pathway, endogenous
prostaglandins, reduced gastric juice acidity, increased concentration of the NPSH groups, and reduced lipidic peroxidation. These findings support the
menthofuran as an effective gastroprotective agent, as well as the marked participation of
antioxidant mechanisms in this response.