Current outlook of the study of plants with anti-Helicobacter pylori activity

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is recognized as the major etiological agent of chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcer, as well as a predisposing factor in gastric carcinoma. It is estimated that over 50% of the population is infected by this bacterium and, in the case of Mexico, a 66% seroprevalence is reported. The current eradication treatment fails in more than 20% of cases, mainly due to resistance generated to commercial antibiotics. Thus, in order to control these diseases, it is important to find new treatments and/or compounds, more specific, less toxic, and easily accessible to the population.
Plant natural products are potential sources for the discovery and development of new anti-H. pylori agents. This paper presents the state of the art on world research in this regard. It covers topics such as preliminary evaluation of plant extracts (screenings), the isolation of pure compounds from bioactive extracts, the elucidation of the probable mechanism of action, comprehensive studies evaluating anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties, and finally, chemical modification of prototype compounds.