H. pylori-induced gastric ulcer: pathophysiology and herbal remedy

Abstract

Background: Gastric ulcer is a common, universal disease. Overall, 50% of gastric ulcers are induced by infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a gram-negative spiral-shaped bacillus. H. pylori colonization itself is not a disease, but infection causes various clinical disorders in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The treatment for eradication of H. pylori is complicated, requiring a minimum of two antibiotics in combination with gastric acid inhibitors. Triple Therapy and Bismuth Quadruple Therapy are well-known therapeutic measures used in eradication of H. pylori and H. pylori-induced gastrointestinal disorders, but they often cause nausea, antibiotic resistance, recurrence and other side effects. As a result, there is a growing interest in non-toxic, anti-ulcer formulations from medicinal plants to treat H.pylori-induced gastric ulcers. Objectives: Review the patho-physiology of H.pylori infection and its potential herbal remedy. Methods: Summarize the published literatures collected from Pubmed/Medline, Google Scholar and other online resources. Results: Natural medicines and plant products, such as tea, resveratrol, curcumin, garlic, cinnamon, etc. can heal H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers by scavenging the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, boosting the host immune system, modulating host-pathogen heat shock proteins interactions. They are nontoxic in nature and hence can be used safely. Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that inclusion of natural antioxidants in the normal, daily diet may be the best remedial measure for continued protection from H. pylori infection.