A pioneer study on the anti-ulcer activities of copper nicotinate complex [CuCl (HNA)2] in experimental gastric ulcer induced by aspirin-pylorus [corrected] ligation model (Shay model).

This study was planned to look for a more rational mechanism(s) that could explain the anti-ulcer activity of copper nicotinate complex, since the mechanism whereby it prevents ulceration still to be investigated. Ulcer and the preventive indexes were scored, mucin, juice volume, total acidity, luminal haemoglobin, total peroxide and total antioxidant as an oxidative stress index (OSI), as well as total DNA fragmentation (as an apoptotic marker) and its percentage ratio in the juice were evaluated. Results confirmed the antisecretory ability of copper nicotinate, as reflected from the significant reduction of gastric juice volume and acid output.