Abstract: Objective To evaluate the protective effect of licoflavone on gastric mucosa in rats with chronic superficial gastritis
and explore the possible mechanism. Methods SD rat models of chronic superficial gastritis was established by intragastric
administration of 0.02% ammonia and long-term irregular diet. The rat models were then randomized into model group,
vitacoenzyme group and 3 licoflavone groups of high, medium, and low doses. After 30 days of treatment, the gastric
histopathology, mucosal lesions, scanning electron microscopy, mucin function production by the gastric mucosa epithelial
cells, serum PGE2 level and gastric microcirculation were assessed to evaluate the protective effect of licoflavone on gastric
mucosa. Results Compared with normal control rats, the rat models of chronic superficial gastritis showed significantly higher
gastric mucosal injury rate, histopathological scores and gastric mucin content. Licoflavone significantly ameoliorated gastric
pathology and increased serum PGE2 level, enhanced acidic mucin secretion by the epithelial cells, and improved gastric
microcirculation in the rat models. Conclusion Licoflavone feeding suppresses gastric mucosa injury, protects and restores the
injured mucosa in rats with chronic superficial gastritis, and these effects are related with the up-regulation of serum PGE2
level.