Inhibition of Experimental Gastric Ulcer by Potato Tubers and the Starch

In an attempt to establish anti-ulcerogenic activity of potato tubers, inhibitory activity against ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer models in rats was evaluated for the first time. From several varieties of potato tubers including Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Superior (white skin and fresh potato) and two new varieties of (Bora valley and Gogu valley), raw potato juice was prepared and the starch was obtained from each juice by filtration and drying. Upon oral administration to rats, raw potato juice showed more or less inhibitory activity. The starch showed higher and dose-dependent inhibitory activity, suggesting that the active ingredient in raw potato juice may be the starch. Particularly, the starch obtained from the tubers of new potato variety, "Bora valley," with purple color, showed the highest inhibitory activity (62.4% and 37.1% inhibition of ulcer index at 500 mg/kg), while omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) used as a reference drug showed 74.4% and 75.7% inhibition at 20 mg/kg against ethanol- and indomethacin-induced ulcer formation, respectively. The present study provides a first evidence of anti-ulcerogenicity of raw potato juice and the starch. Especially, the starch from "Bora valley" strongly inhibited ulcer formation in rats. Considering that these are food components, they may be safely used for anti-ulcerogenic nutraceuticals.