Brief Article
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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2010; 16(35): 4455-4459
Published online Sep 21, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i35.4455
Antacid effects of Chinese herbal prescriptions assessed by a modified artificial stomach model
Tsung-Hsiu Wu, I-Chin Chen, Lih-Chi Chen
Tsung-Hsiu Wu, Chinese Medicine Pharmacy Department, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan, China; School of Chinese Medicine for Post-Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan, China
I-Chin Chen, Lih-Chi Chen, Department of Pharmacy, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 103, Taiwan, China
Lih-Chi Chen, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan, China
Author contributions: Wu TH performed the research and wrote the article; Chen IC carried out the initial preparation of the manuscript; Chen LC revised the manuscript for submission.
Supported by A Research Grant from Yen Kun Yin Cultural and Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, China
Correspondence to: Lih-Chi Chen, MSc, PhD, Director, Department of Pharmacy, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 103, Taiwan, China. lcchen@tpech.gov.tw
Telephone: +886-2-25553000 Fax: +886-2-25598643
Received: May 5, 2010
Revised: June 13, 2010
Accepted: June 20, 2010
Published online: September 21, 2010
Abstract

AIM: To assess the antacid effects of the tonic Chinese herbal prescriptions, Si-Jun-Zi-Tang (SJZT) and Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San (SLBZS).

METHODS: Decoctions of the tonic Chinese herbal prescriptions, SJZT and SLBZS, were prepared according to Chinese original documents. The pH of the prescription decoctions and their neutralizing effects on artificial gastric acids were determined and compared with water and the active controls, sodium bicarbonate and colloidal aluminum phosphate. A modified model of Vatier’s artificial stomach was used to determine the duration of consistent neutralization effect on artificial gastric acids. The neutralization capacity in vitro was determined with the titration method of Fordtran’s model.

RESULTS: The results showed that both SJZT and SLBZS have antacid effects in vitro. Compared with the water group, SJZT and SLBZS were found to possess significant gastric acid neutralizing effects. The duration for consistent neutralization of SLBZS was significantly longer than that of water. Also, SLBZS and SJZT exhibited significant antacid capacities compared to water.

CONCLUSION: SJZT and SLBZS were consistently active in the artificial stomach model and are suggested to have antacid effects similar to the active control drugs.

Keywords: Traditional Chinese medicines; Antacid; Acid neutralizing capacity; Artificial stomach