A Review on Herbal Potential for Treatment of Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcers (PUs) are mucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), leading to significant pain and complications like bleeding, perforation, and obstruction. While conventional medicine offers treatments, a substantial portion of the global population, particularly in developing nations, continues to rely on herbal medicine due to perceived compatibility with the human body and fewer side effects. This review explores the therapeutic potential of various medicinal plants in treating peptic ulcers. The paper discusses the types of peptic ulcers (duodenal, gastric, esophageal), their common signs and symptoms, and underlying causes, emphasizing the roles of H. pylori and NSAIDs. It then delves into the mechanisms of action of herbal remedies, including their antioxidant activity, stimulation of mucosal proliferation, inhibition of acid production, and increased mucus production. A comprehensive list of plants with documented antiulcer activity is provided, along with their common names, biological and geographical sources, key chemical constituents, and traditional or scientifically validated uses. Notable examples include Brassica oleracea (cabbage), Musa sapientum (banana), Cocos nucifera (coconut), Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), honey, Allium sativum (garlic), Moringa oleifera (drumstick), Acacia arabica (acacia gum), Aegle marmelos (bael), Aloe barbadensis miller (aloe vera), Annona squamosa (custard apple), Carica papaya (papaya), Mangifera indica (mango), Ananas comosus (pineapple), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Beta vulgaris (beetroot), Azadirachta indica (neem), Tamarindus indica (tamarind), and Solanum nigrum (blackberry nightshade). These medicinal plants contain natural compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids suggests promising therapeutic applications with potentially lower adverse effects compared to synthetic drugs. The paper concludes by advocating for further research, regulatory oversight, and the integration of traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern medicine to develop effective and safer anti-ulcer medications.