Antacid and Antiulcer Properties of the Polysaccharide Chitosan in the Rat

Abstract

Conclusions Chitosan, a polymer glucosamine obtained from the chitin of lobsters and crabs, affords a moderate, but definite protection to pylorus ligated rats against peptic ulceration of the rumin. This anti-ulcer activity has been shown to be due to a moderate capacity to bind free gastric acid and to a significant ability to act as a demulcent. Gastric demulcent activity was also observed in unligated dogs given a large dose of aspirin. Antipeptic activity was not observed with chitosan, but was with an aluminum hydroxide coprecipitate of chito-san. This latter material was almost equal to carrageenin in inhibiting proteolytic activity of gastric secretions but was not as effective as the sulfated galactosan in preventing peptic ulceration. A possible explanation of the lesser antiulcer potency of chitosan-AlOH is discussed.