The effect of free silica on the mucosal protective and antiflatulent properties of polydimethylsiloxane

Abstract The mucosal protective and antiflatulent properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PMS) alone, or containing free silica have been examined in rats. Both PMS and PMS + 6% silica significantly protected rat gastric mucosa from the irritant effects of aspirin but there was no significant difference between the protective effect of each agent. The antiflatulent property of PMS, as determined by X-ray measurements of foam production in the rat stomach, was significantly enhanced by the addition of free silica.