Gastroprotective activity of crude extract of Jania sp (red algae) on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats

Abstract

Marine-derived bioactive compounds have begun to make significant contributions to biomcdicine, and are likely to continue to do so in future [1]. In this respect, we have initiated a programme of research aimed at isolating and characterising biomedically important secondary metabolites from marine organisms (soft corals, red algae and sponges) found in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka. So far, we have reported anti-fertility [2] and spermatast?t!c activity [3, 4] in extracts prepared froir alcyonacean soft corviis. !n this paper \s'e rcpjit giis'roprotcc'ive ^.ct^vitv sn 3 methanol-dtchloromethane (1:1) extract of red a\gae, Jania sp. against ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats.