Apple Pomace Pectin for Gastroprotective Nutraceutical Delivery: Structure–Function Relationships and Nano/Microencapsulation Strategies for Gastric Ulcer Management

Gastric ulcers represent a significant global health challenge, necessitating advanced therapeutic interventions that offer site‐specific drug delivery and promote mucosal healing. The deterioration of gastric mucosal defenses by irritants, along with invasion and colonization by microbes such as Helicobacter pylori plays an important role in the development of peptic ulcers. Apple pectin (AP) has garnered substantial interest as a gastroprotective material due to its demonstrated anti‐adhesive and antibacterial activity against H. pylori and for formulating nanocarriers that adhere to the gastric mucosa and provide localized, sustained release of antiulcer medications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of apple pectin, detailing its molecular structure, chemical composition, extraction methodologies, and the potential routes for its nanoencapsulation for gastric ulcer treatment. The underlying molecular mechanisms of peptic ulcer prevention by modulating nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB), Nrf2, and COX‐1/PGE 2 pathways along with future directions for clinical translation are also presented. Further, the innovative applications of AP in nanoencapsulation for gastric ulcer treatment, along with the preclinical and clinical studies on pectin‐based gastrointestinal (GI)‐targeted drug delivery systems, are also discussed. The role of AP in nanotherapeutics formulation is the main focus of this review. These nanocarriers have been reported to adhere to the physiological mucosa, thereby providing localized, persistent release of antiulcer medications. Overall, the apple pectin‐based nanoformulations represent a promising next‐generation platform for the improved management of gastric ulcers, with significant potential for advancing‐targeted therapy and future clinical translation.