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Natural Foods Resources and Dietary Ingredients for the Amelioration of Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Summary

This research explores how common natural foods can help fight H. pylori infection, a bacterial infection that affects millions worldwide and can lead to stomach ulcers and cancer. Instead of relying solely on antibiotics, which can have side effects and lead to bacterial resistance, certain foods like broccoli sprouts, cranberries, turmeric, garlic, and green tea show promise in fighting the infection and reducing inflammation. Impacts on everyday life: • People can incorporate these beneficial foods into their daily diet to help prevent or manage H. pylori infection • These natural alternatives are generally safer and more affordable than conventional treatments • Regular consumption of these foods may help reduce the need for antibiotics • The findings provide options for those seeking natural approaches to stomach health • These dietary changes can be maintained long-term without significant side effects

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gastric-persistent pathogen that affects 70-80% of people in developing countries and 13-50% in developed countries. It can cause peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. While traditionally treated with antibiotic-based therapies, these treatments can lead to bacterial resistance, gut microbiota imbalance, and organ damage.

Objective

To systematically review the potential of natural food resources, including vegetables, fruits, spices, and edible herbs, as alternative therapeutic strategies for treating H. pylori infection. The review aims to evaluate supporting evidence from both animal and clinical studies regarding the effectiveness of these natural alternatives.

Results

Various natural foods showed promising effects against H. pylori infection. Broccoli sprouts containing sulforaphane demonstrated significant anti-H. pylori activity. Cranberry juice showed temporary elimination of H. pylori colonization in both animal and human studies. Curcumin from turmeric showed strong therapeutic effects by both eradicating H. pylori and repairing gastric damage. Garlic extract exhibited inhibitory effects on H. pylori-induced gastritis. Licorice root extract showed significant reduction in H. pylori load and increased eradication rates when combined with conventional therapy.

Conclusion

While natural food resources may not completely eradicate H. pylori, they can significantly reduce colonization, improve gastrointestinal inflammation, and enhance antibiotic therapy results. These alternatives offer promising strategies as adjunct or alternative treatments to conventional drug therapies, particularly due to their low cost and relative safety for long-term consumption. Further research is needed to explore mechanisms of action and formulate active ingredients for clinical use.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Medicine,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1324473
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