Antiadhesion and anti-inflammation effects of noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit extracts on AGS cells during Helicobacter pylori infection

From lab to nature: Recent advancements in the journey of gastroprotective agents from medicinal chemistry to phytotherapy

Peptic ulcer, affecting 10 % of the global population, results from imbalances in gastric juice pH and diminished mucosal defences. Key underlying factors are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori infection, undermining mucosal resistance. Traditional treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists exhibit drawbacks such as adverse effects, relapses, and drug interactions. This review extensively explores the ethnomedicinal, synthetic and pharmacological facets of various potential peptic ulcer treatments. Rigorous methodologies involving electronic databases, and chemical structure verification via 'PubChem' and 'SciFinder' enhance the review's credibility. The provided information, spanning medicinal insights to intricate pharmacological mechanisms, establishes a robust groundwork for future research and the development of plant-derived or synthetic molecules for peptic ulcers, offering a promising alternative to conventional therapies.

Review of Phytochemical Potency as a Natural Anti-Helicobacter pylori and Neuroprotective Agent

Phytochemicals are plant secondary metabolites that show health benefits for humans due to their bioactivity. There is a huge variety of phytochemicals that have already been identified, and these compounds can act as antimicrobial and neuroprotection agents. Due to their anti-microbial activity and neuroprotection, several phytochemicals might have the potency to be used as natural therapeutic agents, especially for Helicobacter pylori infection and neurodegenerative disease, which have become a global health concern nowadays. According to previous research, there are some connections between H. pylori infection and neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease. Hence, this comprehensive review examines different kinds of phytochemicals from natural sources as potential therapeutic agents to reduce H. pylori infection and improve neurodegenerative disease. An additional large-scale study is needed to establish the connection between H. pylori infection and neurodegenerative disease and how phytochemicals could improve this condition.

In-vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity and preliminary mechanism of action of Canarium album Raeusch. fruit extracts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Canarium album Raeusch. belongs to the Burseraceae family. Its ripe fruits, known as Qing Guo (QG) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are used to treat sore throat, cough, and fish or crab poisoning. QG was reported to have antibacterial activity, and it exerted excellent anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity in our screening of abundant TCM. However, few studies have reported its anti-H. pylori activity and mechanism.

AIM OF STUDY

The commonly used eradication therapies for H. pylori infection are antibiotic-based therapies. With the increasing antibiotic resistance of H. pylori, interest in finding alternative therapies has been aroused. This study investigated the phytochemistry profile, in vitro anti-H. pylori activity and possible anti-bacterial mechanism of QG extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

QG extracts were obtained by heat reflux extraction, ultrasonic extraction or liquid-liquid extraction with different solvents. The quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analyses were performed by colorimetric determination, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and UPLC-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). In vitro anti- H. pylori activity was assessed by broth micro-dilution method. Mechanism of action studies included morphological observation using electron microscopy, urease inhibition assay and determination of expression of virulence genes by RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

All QG extracts especially ethyl acetate extract (QGEAE) were rich in phenolic components, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) on H.pylori of 39-625 μg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 78-1250 μg/ml. Both aqueous extract (QGAE) and QGEAE could induce the morphological and structural changes of H. pylori, inhibit urease activity with IC₅₀ of 1093 μg/ml and 332.90 μg/ml, respectively, and down-regulate the virulence genes, such as vacA and cagA.

CONCLUSIONS

QG may exhibit in vitro anti-H. pylori activity by inhibiting growth, destroying the bacterial structure and down-regulating the expression of virulence factors. Moreover, QG is the homology of food and TCM, which can be considered as a safe and convenient agent against H. pylori infection.

Fucoidan from Sargassum hemiphyllum inhibits infection and inflammation of Helicobacter pylori

Having infected by Helicobacter pylori, the infection often leads to gastritis, gastric ulcer, or even gastric cancer. The disease is typically treated with antibiotics as they used to effectively inhibit or kill H. pylori, thus reducing the incidence of gastric adenoma and cancer to significant extent. H. pylori, however, has developed drug resistance to many clinically used antibiotics over the years, highlighting the crisis of antibiotic failure during the H. pylori treatment. We report here that the fucoidan from Sargassum hemiphyllum can significantly reduce the infection of H. pylori without developing to drug resistance. Fucoidan appears to be a strong anti-inflammation agent as manifested by the RAW264.7 cell model examination. Fucoidan can prohibit H. pylori adhesion to host cells, thereby reducing the infection rate by 60%, especially in post treatment in the AGS cell model assay. Mechanistically, fucoidan intervenes the adhesion of BabA and AlpA of H. pylori significantly lowering the total count of H. pylori and the level of IL-6 and TNF-α in vivo. These results all converge on the same fact that fucoidan is an effective agent in a position to protect the stomach from the H. pylori infection by reducing both the total count and induced inflammation.

Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects of Cheonwangbosim-dan against Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis

Background

There are various Helicobacter species colonizing the stomachs of animals. Although Helicobacter species usually cause asymptomatic infection in the hosts, clinical signs can occur due to gastritis associated with Helicobacter in animals. Among them, Helicobacter pylori is strongly associated with chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancers. As the standard therapies used to treat H. pylori have proven insufficient, alternative options are needed to prevent and eradicate the diseases associated with this bacterium. Cheonwangbosim-dan (CBD), a traditional herbal formula that is popular in East Asia, has been commonly used for arterial or auricular flutter, neurosis, insomnia, and cardiac malfunction-induced disease.

Objectives

The present study investigated the antimicrobial effect of CBD on H. pylori-infected human gastric carcinoma AGS cells and model mice.

Methods

AGS cells were infected with H. pylori and treated with a variety of concentrations of CBD or antibiotics. Mice were given 3 oral inoculations with H. pylori and then dosed with CBD (100 or 500 mg/kg) for 4 weeks or with standard antibiotics for 1 week. One week after the last treatment, gastric samples were collected and examined by histopathological analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting.

Results

Our results showed that CBD treatment of AGS cells significantly reduced the H. pylori-induced elevations of interleukin-8, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In the animal model, CBD treatment inhibited the colonization of H. pylori and the levels of malondialdehyde, inflammation, proinflammatory cytokines, iNOS, and COX-2 in gastric tissues. CBD also decreased the phosphorylation levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase family.

Conclusions

This study suggests that CBD might be a prospective candidate for treating H. pylori-induced gastric injury.

Effect of Morinda citrifolia and Annona muricata on Erhlich Tumor Cells in Swiss Albino Mice and In Vitro Fibroblast Cells

Morinda citrifolia (MC) and Annona muricata (AM) are popularly used for the treatment of several diseases, including cancer. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of the juice of the MC fruit, and the ethanolic extract of AM leaves on Erhlich tumor cells, in mice and in vitro fibroblastic cells. The animals were divided into G1 and G2: controls; G3: treated with AM, and G4 juice: treated with MC. The animals were subjected to intraperitoneal inoculation of 10³ tumor cells and then treated with the plants. G1 and G2 received a saline solution. Cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium, supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, and maintained at 37°C in 5% CO₂ atmosphere. After growth, the cells were trypsinized and incubated again. Subsequently, serial dilution of extracts and juice was performed and incubated again for 48 h. We evaluated the ascites growth, the survival rate, and cytotoxicity in fibroblast cells. AM and MC did not interfere in the ascites pattern. MC, but not AM showed significance in the survival rate. Both AM and MC produced cytotoxicity activity in T3T cells. Despite advances in medicine, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death in the world and traditional medications are not always effective. The use of MC may bring beneficial effects to patients since they interfere with different mechanisms of action during carcinogenesis. However, we suggest that further investigations should be performed.

Natural Products for the Prevention and Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori is the main pathogen that induces chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, atrophic gastritis, and other gastric disorders, and it is classified as a group I carcinogen. To eradicate H. pylori infection, triple therapy consisting of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor is the most widely recommended first-line therapeutic strategy. Antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics contained in triple therapy could lead to therapeutic regimen failures. Recent studies showed that many natural products, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants, possess inhibitory effects on H. pylori, indicating their potential to be alternatives to prevent and manage H. pylori infection. This review summarizes the effects of natural products on H. pylori infection and highlights the mechanisms of action.

Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni) and Its Potential in Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction

Cultural and economic shifts in the early 19th century led to the rapid development of companies that made good profits from technologically-produced commodities. In this way, some habits changed in society, such as the overconsumption of processed and micronutrient-poor foods and devices that gave rise to a sedentary lifestyle. These factors influenced host-microbiome interactions which, in turn, mediated the etiopathogenesis of “new-era” disorders and diseases, which are closely related, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, and inflammatory bowel disease, which are characterized by chronic dysregulation of metabolic and immune processes. These pathological conditions require novel and effective therapeutic approaches. Morindacitrifolia (noni) is well known as a traditional healing plant due to its medicinal properties. Thus, many studies have been conducted to understand its bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action. However, in obesity and obesity-related metabolic (dysfunction) syndrome, other studies are necessary to better elucidate noni’s mechanisms of action, mainly due to the complexity of the pathophysiology of obesity and its metabolic dysfunction. In this review, we summarize not only the clinical effects, but also important cell signaling pathways in in vivo and in vitro assays of potent bioactive compounds present in the noni plant which have been reported in studies of obesity and obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction.

One Plant, Many Uses: A Review of the Pharmacological Applications of Morinda citrifolia

Morinda citrifolia, also known as noni, is commonly used in popular medicine in Brazil. Many parts of the noni tree are utilized in such practices, including the roots, leaves and seeds. Through a search of online databases, the present article reviews 92 research studies on the biological actions of M. citrifolia. The paper will discuss the therapeutic effects of noni and its compounds in a variety of forms of presentation, focusing on studies that support its traditional use. A large and diverse number of properties were identified, which were divided into immunostimulatory, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antibacterial and anti-septic, antifungal, antiviral, leishmanicidal, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and analgesic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, wound healing, antiallergic, antiangiogenic, antiemetic and anti-nausea, anti-gastric ulcer and oesophagitis, anthelmintic, antimutagenic, antipsychotic, anxiolytic, photoprotective, anti-wrinkle and periodontal tissue regeneration activities. While it was concluded that although M. citrifolia is widely and successfully used for the treatment or prevention of various diseases, it should be consumed carefully, and only after exhaustive studies into its chemical constituents and mechanisms of action, both in in vitro and in vivo models, as well as clinical trials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Juice Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines Expression and Contributes to the Maintenance of Intestinal Mucosal Integrity in DSS Experimental Colitis

Morinda citrifolia L. (noni) has been shown to treat different disorders. However, data concerning its role in the treatment of intestinal inflammation still require clarification. In the current study, we investigated the effects of noni fruit juice (NFJ) in the treatment of C57BL/6 mice, which were continuously exposed to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 9 consecutive days. NFJ consumption had no impact on the reduction of the clinical signs of the disease or on weight loss. Nonetheless, when a dilution of 1 : 10 was used, the intestinal architecture of the mice was preserved, accompanied by a reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate. Regardless of the concentration of NFJ, a decrease in both the activity of myeloperoxidase and the key inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IFN-γ, was also observed in the intestine. Furthermore, when NFJ was diluted 1 : 10 and 1 : 100, a reduction in the production of nitric oxide and IL-17 was detected in gut homogenates. Overall, the treatment with NFJ was effective in different aspects associated with disease progression and worsening. These results may point to noni fruit as an important source of anti-inflammatory molecules with a great potential to inhibit the progression of inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF MANGIFERIN ON HELICOBACTER PYLORI-INDUCED INFLAMMATION IN HUMAN GASTRIC CARCINOMA AGS CELLS

Background:

Gastric cancer is a serious health issue caused by H. pylori and claims more lives in developing and undeveloped countries. Hence, the need for a natural drug with several pharmacological activities with no adverse effect are highly recommended. The target of this study was to verify the anti-H. pyloric efficacy of mangiferin (MF) on H. pylori-infected AGS cells.

Materials and methods:

AGS cells were co-cultured with H. pylori and incubated with increased concentration of MF (10, 20, 50 and 100 μg/mL) or amoxicillin (AMX) and DMSO (control) group to assess its anti-H. pyloric effect by checking inhibitory zone, bacterial drug sensitivity test (MIC and MBC), adhesion and invasive property and various inflammatory markers.

Results:

Co-culturing of H. pylori-infected AGS cells with MF (100 μg) considerably increased (p<0.05) the inhibitory zone as well as substantially lowered (p<0.05) in the levels of MBC and MIC with decreased adhesion and invasive property in a dose-dependent manner and thus endorsing its anti H. pyloric activity and are almost equivalent to antibiotic AMX. Meanwhile, inflammatory markers such as NF-κΒ subunit p65, interleukins-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α were also markedly suppressed (p<0.01) on treatment with MF. In addition, the protein expression of inflammatory enzymes like COX-2 and iNOS were notably downregulated (p<0.05) in AGS cells incubated with MF.

Conclusion:

We, concluded that MF treatment with H. pylori-infected AGS cells significantly suppressed the adhesion and invasion process as well as deactivated NF-p65 thereby blocking inflammatory response and thus lower the incidence of gastric carcinoma.

Low-molecular-weight fucoidan and high-stability fucoxanthin from brown seaweed exert prebiotics and anti-inflammatory activities in Caco-2 cells

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of low-molecular-weight fucoidan (LMF) and high-stability fucoxanthin (HS-Fucox) in a lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory Caco-2 cell line co-culture with B. lactis.

METHODS

We used various methods such as transepithelial resistance (TER) assay, cytokine secretion assay, and tight junction protein mRNA expression assay to examine LMF and HS-Fucox anti-inflammatory properties.

RESULTS

LMF and HS-Fucox activated probiotic growth and reduced the inflammation of the intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, the combination of LMFHS-Fucox dramatically enhanced the intestinal epithelial barrier and immune function against the lipopolysaccharide effect by inhibiting IL-1β and TNF-α and promoting IL-10 and IFN-γ.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that LMF and HS-Fucox, alone or in combination, could be the potential natural compounds to enhance the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the intestinal cells.

The Protective Effects of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid on Helicobacter pylori-Infected Gastric Mucosa in Mongolian Gerbils

18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA), a major component of Glycyrrhiza glabra, is widely used therapeutically in clinic. In this study, the effect of GRA on Helicobacter pylori- (H. pylori-) infected gastritis was investigated in Mongolian gerbils in vivo. The gerbils were randomly divided into groups: uninfected; H. pylori-infected; H. pylori + antibiotics (clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and esomeprazole); and H. pylori + GRA. The gastric intraluminal pH value, histopathological changes, and the expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS) were investigated. The results showed that, in the H. pylori + GRA group, the intraluminal gastric pH value was lower (2.14 ± 0.08 versus 3.17 ± 0.23, P < 0.05), erosion and hyperplasia were alleviated, the infiltration of neutrophils and mononuclear cells was attenuated (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS were decreased (P < 0.05) compared with the H. pylori-infected group. There was no significant difference in results between the H. pylori + GRA group and the H. pylori + antibiotics group. This study indicated that GRA significantly attenuated H. pylori-infected gastritis in gerbils and has the potential to be developed as a new therapeutic drug.

Anti-Diabetic Potential of Noni: The Yin and the Yang

Escalating trends of chronic diseases such as type-2 diabetes (T2D) have sparked a renewed interest in complementary and alternative medicine, including herbal products. Morinda citrifolia (noni) has been used for centuries by Pacific Islanders to treat various ailments. Commercial noni fruit juice has been marketed as a dietary supplement since 1996. In 2003, the European Commission approved Tahitian noni juice as a novel food by the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General. Among noni's several health benefits, others and we have demonstrated the anti-diabetic effects of fermented noni fruit juice in animal models. Unfortunately, noni's exciting journey from Polynesian medicine to the research bench does not reach its final destination of successful clinical outcomes when translated into commercial products. Noni products are perceived to be safe due to their "natural" origin. However, inadequate evidence regarding bioactive compounds, molecular targets, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, long-term safety, effective dosages, and/or unanticipated side effects are major roadblocks to successful translation "from bench side to bedside". In this review we summarize the anti-diabetic potential of noni, differences between traditional and modern use of noni, along with beneficial clinical studies of noni products and challenges in clinical translation of noni's health benefits.

Diet-related inflammation and oesophageal cancer by histological type: a nationwide case-control study in Sweden

PURPOSE

This project sought to test the role of diet-related inflammation in modulating the risk of oesophageal cancer.

METHODS

A nationwide population-based case-control study was conducted from 1 December 1994 through 31 December 1997 in Sweden. All newly diagnosed patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or gastroesophageal junction and a randomly selected half of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma were eligible as cases. Using the Swedish Registry of the Total Population, the control group was randomly selected from the entire Swedish population and frequency-matched on age (within 10 years) and sex. The literature-derived dietary inflammatory index (DII) was developed to describe the inflammatory potential of diet. DII scores were computed based on a food frequency questionnaire. Higher DII scores indicate more pro-inflammatory diets. Odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were computed to assess risk associated between DII scores and oesophageal cancer using logistic regression adjusted by potential confounders.

RESULTS

In total, 189 oesophageal adenocarcinomas, 262 gastroesophageal junctional adenocarcinomas, 167 oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas, and 820 control subjects were recruited into the study. Significant associations with DII were observed for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ORQuartile4vs1 4.35, 95 % CI 2.24, 8.43), oesophageal adenocarcinoma (ORQuartile4vs1 3.59, 95 % CI 1.87, 6.89), and gastroesophageal junctional adenocarcinoma (ORQuartile4vs1 2.04, 95 % CI 1.24, 3.36). Significant trends across quartiles of DII were observed for all subtypes of oesophageal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Diet-related inflammation appears to be associated with an increased risk of oesophageal cancer, regardless of histological type.