Progress in Use of Natural Products and Their Active Components against <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is considered the main etiological agent of gastritis, ulcers, and gastric carcinoma. It colonizes human gastric mucosa quite efficiently. Fifty % of the world population is actually infected. Since H. pylori discovery in 1982, it is well known the sensitivity of several H. pylori strains to a number of antibiotics when these are assayed in vitro. However, eradication therapies with a single antibacterial agent have failed. Recently, triple, quadruple, sequential, concomitant and hybrid therapies which include antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor show improved eradication rate and low side effects. However, new problems have emerged. Antimicrobial resistance to the common antibiotics used has become a problem in both developed and developing countries. In particular, H. pylori clarithromycin-and metronidazole-resistant strains are a major problem in countries where H. pylori is highly prevalent. Thus, the widespread use of antibiotics is not economically feasible and might increase difficulties in the treatment of H. pylori. At present, there are no vaccines available in the market. As an alternative, effective non-antibiotic compounds should be highly desirable since their use may be safer and suitable to eradicate H. pylori. The first step in this direction has been to study the effect of medicinal herbs and natural products, such as green tea, ginseng, garlic, propolis, and probiotics, then identify their active components such as polyphenols, antioxidants, purify them, and finally test them using in vitro and in vivo H. pylori growth assays. Some of them have been quite effective. The topics related to alternative therapies for H. pylori infections and current status of their use will be discussed in the present review.

In Vitro Screening Potential Antibacterial Properties of the Greek Oregano Honey against Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori

“…Although H. pylori thrives in acid pH, causes an infection under alkaline pH due to its ability to hydrolyze urea from the mucosa cells and liberating ammonia. The acid pH of honey can neutralize this environment, thereby facilitating the healing process [ 23 , 66 , 67 ].…”

Application of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

“…Some of the quinolone alkaloid components in the Chinese medicine Evodia can inhibit the growth of H. pylori without eradicating other intestinal flora[ 48 ]. Based on the prescriptions mentioned in Table 1 , the effective ingredients of the main anti- H. pylori monomers of TCM in these prescriptions are summarized by combining with current research results[ 49 - 61 ]. As shown in Table 2 , the effective ingredients of these drugs may provide a basis for understanding the mechanism of action of Chinese medicines and provide ideas for novel research directions.…”