The In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils against Helicobacter Pylori Growth and Urease Activity

Anti-Helicobacter pylori Effects of Thymus caramanicus Jalas Essential Oils: A New Antimicrobial Approach

Background

Helicobacter pylori are the principal causative factor in the etiological factors of chronic, active, or type B gastritis; peptic and duodenal ulcers; stomach carcinoma; and epithelial tissue lymphoid malignancies. It infects more than half of the population worldwide. To reduce H. pylori production, pharmacological therapy of H. pylori diseases typically involves using threefold treatment methods. However, as a result of such therapy, antimicrobial resistance is commonly developed. Alternative therapeutics for H. pylori diseases are thus of particular interest.

Methods

Thyme essential oils (EOs) obtained from T. caramanicus Jalas plants in Iran were tested for antibacterial activity against H. pylori obtained from 320 poultry specimens in this investigation. Antibacterial activity was measured using inhibition zones, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The impact of T. caramanicus Jalas essential oils on H. pylori isolate cagA, vacA, and babA2 gene expression was evaluated using a quantitative real-time PCR method (p < 0.05).

Results

The chemical content of these EOs varied significantly according to chromatographic examination. Thymol, carvacrol, and terpinene-4-ol are the most abundant components in these EOs. H. pylori was recognized as a Helicobacter species with a 175-bp PCR product of 16S rRNA in 20/20 (100%). According to PCR results, all 20 (100%) isolates belonged to H. pylori. The EOs inhibited H. pylori in a dose-dependent manner, with T. caramanicus Jalas being the most effective, followed by pterygium EOs in decreasing order. At 8 mg/mL of T. caramanicus Jalas EOs, IZs against H. pylori were 27.4 ± 0.42 mm, and at 8 mg/mL of pterygium, IZs against H. pylori were 1 ± 0.02. T. caramanicus Jalas essential oils were used to treat all bacteria, and the findings showed that T. caramanicus Jalas had a substantial inhibitory impact on the expression of cagA, vacA, and babA2 virulence-related genes (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In a dose-dependent manner, the EOs of T. caramanicus Jalas EO demonstrated a high degree of antimicrobial property against H. pylori bacteria. The most efficient EOs were those from T. caramanicus Jalas with relative concentrations of thymol and carvacrol, followed by the coumarin-dominated pterygium EO with reduced antibacterial activity.

Obliteration of H. pylori infection through the development of a novel thyme oil laden nanoporous gastric floating microsponge

Thyme oil (TO) is a valuable essential oil believed to possess a variety of bioactivities, including antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. These attributes grant TO the excellent capability to treat a wide range of diseases, particularly the effective eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach. However, its practical use is limited by its low stability under atmospheric conditions. Our current research aims to encapsulate TO in eudragit (EGT) microsponges to enhance its stability and improve its effectiveness against H. pylori. The TO microsponges were prepared using EGT as a polymer, polysorbate 80 as a stabilizer, and dichloromethane (DCM) as a solvent via the quasi-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The product yield, particle size, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug-polymer interaction, in-vitro floating, and in-vitro drug release of the microsponges were evaluated. The most promising microsponge was tested against H. pylori ATCC 43504 strains. The results showed that the microsponges exhibited a high product yield (ranging from 41 % ± 0.75-81.27 % ± 1.13), excellent entrapment efficiency (ranging from 63.01 % ± 0.79-88.64 % ± 0.98), prolonged in-vitro floating time (more than 12 h) and sustained in-vitro drug release for 18 h (81.53 %). Scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the microsponges were spherical in shape with a spongy surface. The average particle size of the selected microsponges was determined to be 49.79 ± 1.4 μm, and their average pore size was measured to be 0.81 ± 0.14 μm. DSC study results revealed that TO was physically entrapped in the microsponges. In-vitro anti-H. pylori activity studies demonstrated that TO in microsponge was more effective against H. pylori than pure TO. In conclusion, the developed microsponges containing thyme oil provide a promising alternative for the efficient targeting and eradication of H. Pylori infection.

Comparative Assessment of Lignan Profiling and Biological Activities of Schisandra henryi Leaf and In Vitro PlantForm Bioreactor-Grown Culture Extracts

This research's scope encompassed biotechnological, phytochemical, and biological studies of Schisandra henryi, including investigations into its in vitro microshoot culture grown in PlantForm bioreactors (temporary immersion systems, TISs), as well as extracts from leaves of the parent plant, focusing on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. The phytochemical analysis included the isolation and quantification of 17 compounds from dibenzocyclooctadiene, aryltetralin lignans, and neolignans using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), HPLC-DAD, and UHPLC-MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole mass filter methods. Higher contents of compounds were found in microshoots extracts (max. 543.99 mg/100 g DW). The major compound was schisantherin B both in the extracts from microshoots and the leaves (390.16 and 361.24 mg/100 g DW, respectively). The results of the anti-inflammatory activity in terms of the inhibition of COX-1, COX-2, sPLA2, and LOX-15 enzymes indicated that PlantForm microshoot extracts showed strong activity against COX-1 and COX-2 (for 177 mg/mL the inhibition percentage was 76% and 66%, respectively). The antioxidant potential assessed using FRAP, CUPRAC, and DPPH assays showed that extracts from microshoot cultures had 5.6, 3.8, and 3.3 times higher power compared to extracts from the leaves of the parent plant, respectively. The total polyphenol content (TPC) was 4.1 times higher in extracts from the in vitro culture compared to the leaves. The antiproliferative activity against T-cell lymphoblast line Jurkat, breast adenocarcinoma cultures (MCF-7), colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), and cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), showed that both extracts have considerable effects on the tested cell lines. The antimicrobial activity tested against strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi showed the highest activity towards H. pylori (MIC and MBC 0.625 mg/mL).

Phytochemical Profiles and Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Populus spp. Bud Extracts

Buds of poplar trees (Populus species) are often covered with sticky, usually polyphenol-rich, exudates. Moreover, accessible data showed that some Populus bud extracts may be excellent antibacterial agents, especially against Gram-positive bacteria. Due to the fragmentary nature of the data found, we conducted a systematic screening study. The antimicrobial activity of two extract types (semi-polar-ethanolic and polar-ethanolic-water (50/50; V/V)) from 27 bud samples of different poplar taxons were compared. Antimicrobial assays were performed against Gram-positive (five strains) and Gram-negative (six strains) bacteria as well as fungi (three strains) and covered the determination of minimal inhibitory, bactericidal, and fungicidal concentrations. The composition of extracts was later investigated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detection (UHPLC-DAD) and with electrospray-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS). As a result, most of the extracts exhibited good (MIC ≤ 62.5 µg/mL) or moderate (62.5 < MIC ≤ 500 µg/mL) activity against Gram-positives and Helicobacter pylori, as well as fungi. The most active were ethanolic extracts from P. trichocarpa, P. trichocarpa clone 'Robusta', and P. tacamahaca × P. trichocarpa. The strongest activity was observed for P. tacamahaca × P. trichocarpa. Antibacterial activity was supposedly connected with the abundant presence of flavonoids (pinobanksin, pinobanksin 3-acetate, chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin, isosakuranetin dihydrochalcone, pinocembrin dihydrochalcone, and 2',6'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxydihydrochalcone), hydroxycinnamic acids monoesters (p-methoxycinnamic acid cinnamyl ester, caffeic acid phenethylate and different isomers of prenyl esters), and some minor components (balsacones).

Helicobacter pylori infection in humans and phytotherapy, probiotics, and emerging therapeutic interventions: a review

The global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains high, indicating a persistent presence of this pathogenic bacterium capable of infecting humans. This review summarizes the population demographics, transmission routes, as well as conventional and novel therapeutic approaches for H. pylori infection. The prevalence of H. pylori infection exceeds 30% in numerous countries worldwide and can be transmitted through interpersonal and zoonotic routes. Cytotoxin-related gene A (CagA) and vacuolar cytotoxin A (VacA) are the main virulence factors of H. pylori, contributing to its steep global infection rate. Preventative measures should be taken from people's living habits and dietary factors to reduce H. pylori infection. Phytotherapy, probiotics therapies and some emerging therapies have emerged as alternative treatments for H. pylori infection, addressing the issue of elevated antibiotic resistance rates. Plant extracts primarily target urease activity and adhesion activity to treat H. pylori, while probiotics prevent H. pylori infection through both immune and non-immune pathways. In the future, the primary research focus will be on combining multiple treatment methods to effectively eradicate H. pylori infection.

Anti-collagenase, Anti-elastase, Anti-urease, and Anti-cancer Potentials of Isokaempferide as Natural Compound: In vitro and in silico Study

One of the main goals of medicinal chemistry in recent years has been the development of new enzyme inhibitors and anti-cancer medicines. The isokaempferide' ability to inhibit the enzymes urease, elastase, and collagenase were also studied. The results showed that isokaempferide was the most effective compound against the assigned enzymes, with IC 50 values of 23.05 µM for elastase, 12.83 µM for urease, and 33.62 µM for collagenase respectively. It should be emphasized that natural compound was more effective at inhibiting some enzymes. Additionally, the compound was tested for their anti-cancer properties using colon, lung, breast cancer cell lines. The chemical activities of isokaempferide against urease, collagenase, and elastase were investigated utilizing the molecular docking study. The anti-cancer activities of the compound were evaluated against lung cancer cells such as SPC-A-1, SK-LU-1, 95D, breast cancer cells like MCF7, Hs 578Bst, Hs 319.T, and UACC-3133 cell lines, and colon cancer cell lines like CL40, SW1417, LS1034, and SW480. The chemical activities of isokaempferide against some of the expressed surface receptor proteins (EGFR, estrogen receptor, CD47, progesterone receptor, folate receptor, CD44, HER2, CD155, CXCR4, CD97, and endothelin receptor) in the mentioned cell lines were assessed using the molecular docking calculations. The results showed the probable interactions and their characteristics at an atomic level. The docking scores revealed that isokaempferide has a strong binding affinity to the enzymes and proteins. In addition, the compound formed powerful contact with the enzymes and receptors. Thus, isokaempferide could be potential inhibitor for enzymes and cancer cells.

Composition and Anti-Helicobacter pylori Properties of Essential Oils Obtained from Selected Mentha Cultivars

Helicobacter pylori infections are highly common amongst the global population. Such infections have been shown to be the cause of gastric ulcers and stomach carcinoma and, unfortunately, most cases are asymptomatic. Standard treatment requires antibiotics such as metronidazole or azithromycin to which many strains are now resistant. Mentha species have been used as a natural treatment for gastrointestinal diseases throughout history and essential oils (EOs) derived from these plants show promising results as potential antimicrobial agents. In this study, EOs obtained from the leaves and flowers of five cultivars of Mentha × piperita and M. spicata were examined by GC-MS. The investigated mints are representatives of four chemotypes: the menthol chemotype (M. × piperita 'Multimentha' and M. × piperita 'Swiss'), the piperitenone oxide chemotype (M. × piperita 'Almira'), the linalool chemotype (M. × piperita 'Granada'), and the carvone chemotype (M. spicata 'Moroccan'). The chemical composition of EOs from mint flowers and leaves was comparable with the exception of the Swiss cultivar. Menthol was the most abundant component in the leaves while menthone was highest in flowers. The H. pylori ATCC 43504 reference strain and 10 other H. pylori clinical strains were examined for their sensitivity to the EOs in addition to their major monoterpenoid components (menthol, menthone, carvone, dihydrocarvone, linalool, 1,8-cineole, and limonene). All tested mint EOs showed inhibitory activity against both the reference H. pylori ATCC 43504 strain (MIC 15.6-31.3 mg/L) and clinical H. pylori strains (MIC50/90 31.3-250 mg/L/62.5-500 mg/L). Among the reference monoterpenes, menthol (MIC50/90 7.8/31.3 mg/L) and carvone (MIC50/90 31.3/62.5 mg/L) had the highest anti-H. pylori activity, which also correlated with a higher activity of EOs containing these compounds (M. × piperita 'Swiss' and M. spicata 'Moroccan'). A synergistic and additive interaction between the most active EOs/compounds and antibiotics possibly points to a new plant-based anti-H. pylori treatment.

Artesunate Dry Emulsion Formulation Combined with Antibiotics for Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infections: In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation

Helicobacter pylori is the primary pathogen responsible for causing gastroduodenal ulcers and stomach cancer. The standard treatment for H. pylori typically involves a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications. However, the recurrence of ulcers is closely linked to the emergence of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori, necessitating the development of alternative drugs. This report focuses on the investigation of artesunate as a potential alternative to reduce antibiotic use and enhance effectiveness against H. pylori. Unfortunately, commercial artesunate is available in an acid form, which has poor solubility, especially in gastric acid fluid. The aim of this study is to utilize a water-soluble formulation of artesunate called dry emulsion formulation (ADEF) and combine it with amoxicillin to eradicate H. pylori. In vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the activity of ADEF against H. pylori and determine its inhibitory concentrations. In addition, pharmacokinetic parameters of orally administered ADEF and native artesunate were investigated in rats for in vivo studies. The results showed that when combined with amoxicillin and pantoprazole, ADEF exhibited effectiveness against H. pylori. It is worth noting that the solubility of ADEF in gastric acid appears to be a critical factor for achieving successful treatment. Consequently, ADEF could be considered a promising candidate for H. pylori therapy.

Current State of Knowledge Regarding WHO High Priority Pathogens-Resistance Mechanisms and Proposed Solutions through Candidates Such as Essential Oils: A Systematic Review

Combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the 10 global health issues identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021. While AMR is a naturally occurring process, the inappropriate use of antibiotics in different settings and legislative gaps has led to its rapid progression. As a result, AMR has grown into a serious global menace that impacts not only humans but also animals and, ultimately, the entire environment. Thus, effective prophylactic measures, as well as more potent and non-toxic antimicrobial agents, are pressingly needed. The antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) is supported by consistent research in the field. Although EOs have been used for centuries, they are newcomers when it comes to managing infections in clinical settings; it is mainly because methodological settings are largely non-overlapping and there are insufficient data regarding EOs' in vivo activity and toxicity. This review considers the concept of AMR and its main determinants, the modality by which the issue has been globally addressed and the potential of EOs as alternative or auxiliary therapy. The focus is shifted towards the pathogenesis, mechanism of resistance and activity of several EOs against the six high priority pathogens listed by WHO in 2017, for which new therapeutic solutions are pressingly required.

Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Potential of Propolis Samples from Kazakhstan

In the current paper, we present the results of Kazakh propolis investigations. Due to limited data about propolis from this country, research was focused mainly on phytochemical analysis and evaluation of propolis antimicrobial activity. uHPLC-DAD (ultra-high-pressure-liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection, UV/VIS) and uHPLC-MS/MS (ultra-high-pressure-liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) were used to phytochemical characteristics while antimicrobial activity was evaluated in the serial dilution method (MIC, minimal inhibitory concentration, and MBC/MFC, minimal bactericidal/fungicidal concentration measurements). In the study, Kazakh propolis exhibited a strong presence of markers characteristic of poplar-type propolis—flavonoid aglycones (pinocembrin, galangin, pinobanksin and pinobanskin-3-O-acetate) and hydroxycinnamic acid monoesters (mainly caffeic acid phenethyl ester and different isomers of caffeic acid prenyl ester). The second plant precursor of Kazakh propolis was aspen–poplar with 2-acetyl-1,3-di-p-coumaroyl glycerol as the main marker. Regarding antimicrobial activity, Kazakh propolis revealed stronger activity against reference Gram-positive strains (MIC from 31.3 to above 4000 mg/L) and yeasts (MIC from 62.5 to 1000 mg/L) than against reference Gram-negative strains (MIC ≥ 4000 mg/L). Moreover, Kazakh propolis showed good anti-Helicobacter pylori activity (MIC and MBC were from 31.3 to 62.5 mg/L). All propolis samples were also tested for H. pylori urease inhibitory activity (IC50, half-maximal inhibitory concentration, ranged from 440.73 to 11,177.24 µg/mL). In summary Kazakh propolis are potent antimicrobial agents and may be considered as a medicament in the future.

Antibacterial, Antibiofilm and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Eugenol Clove Essential Oil against Resistant Helicobacter pylori

Eugenol essential oil (EEO) is the major component in aromatic extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and has several biological properties, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as controlling vomiting, coughing, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, dyspepsia, stomach distension, and gastrointestinal spasm pain. It also stimulates the nerves. Therefore, the aim of this study was to extract and purify EEO from clove buds and assess its ability to combat resistant Helicobacter pylori. Additionally, EEO's anti-inflammatory activity and its ability to suppress H. pylori biofilm formation, which is responsible for antibiotic resistance, was also investigated. Syzygium aromaticum buds were purchased from a local market, ground, and the EEO was extracted by using hydro-distillation and then purified and chemically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A disk-diffusion assay showed that Helicobacter pylori is sensitive to EEO, with an inhibition zone ranging from 10 ± 06 to 22 ± 04 mm. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of EEO ranged from 23.0 to 51.0 μg/mL against both Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates and standard strains. In addition, EEO showed antibiofilm activity at 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL against various Helicobacter pylori strains, with suppression percentages of 49.32% and 73.21%, respectively. The results obtained from the anti-inflammatory assay revealed that EEO possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity, with human erythrocyte hemolysis inhibition percentages of 53.04, 58.74, 61.07, and 63.64% at concentrations of 4, 8, 16, and 32 μg/L, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed that EEO is a major component of Syzygium aromaticum when extracted with a hydro-distillation technique, which was confirmed by its purification using a chemical separation process. EEO exhibited antibacterial action against resistant Helicobacter pylori strains, as well as antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory activities, and is a promising natural alternative in clinical therapy.

Novel approach for the inhibition of Helicobacter pylori contamination in yogurt using selected probiotics combined with eugenol and cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsions

Different strains of probiotics were screened in vitro to select the one with the highest anti-H. pylori activity. Three nanoemulsions of eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and their mixture were fabricated and tested also in vitro against the same pathogen. The selected probiotic strains, the nanoemulsion mixture and their combination were imbedded in a lab-manufactured yogurt which is deliberately contaminated with 6.0 log cfu/g H. pylori during manufacture. The inhibitory activity of all treatments on the growth of H. pylori and the other microorganisms in yogurt was evaluated during 21 days. Combining the selected probiotic strains with the nanoemulsion mixture in the contaminated yogurt reduced the count of H. pylori by 3.9 log cycle. The nanoemulsion showed lower inhibitory effect against the other microorganisms like probiotics, starter culture and total bacterial count in the tested yogurt, where their enumeration did not fall below 10⁶ cfu/g at the end of yogurt storage period.

Savory, Oregano and Thyme Essential Oil Mixture (HerbELICO®) Counteracts Helicobacter pylori

Fifty percent of the world's population is infected with Helicobacter pylori, which can trigger many gastrointestinal disorders. H. pylori eradication therapy consists of two to three antimicrobial medicinal products, but they exhibit limited efficacy and may cause adverse side effects. Alternative therapies are urgent. It was assumed that an essential oil mixture, obtained from species from genera Satureja L., Origanum L. and Thymus L. and called the HerbELICO^® essential oil mixture, could be useful in H. pylori infection treatment. HerbELICO^® was analyzed by GC-MS and assessed in vitro against twenty H. pylori clinical strains isolated from patients of different geographical origins and with different antimicrobial medicinal products resistance profiles, and for its ability to penetrate the artificial mucin barrier. A customer case study included 15 users of HerbELICO^®liquid/HerbELICO^®solid dietary supplements (capsulated HerbELICO^® mixture in liquid/solid form). Carvacrol and thymol were the most dominant compounds (47.44% and 11.62%, respectively), together with p-cymene (13.35%) and γ-terpinene (18.20%). The minimum concentration required to inhibit in vitro H. pylori growth by HerbELICO^® was 4-5% (v/v); 10 min exposure to HerbELICO^® was enough to kill off the examined H. pylori strains, while HerbELICO^® was able to penetrate through mucin. A high eradication rate (up to 90%) and acceptance by consumers was observed.

Isolation of Multidrug-Resistant Helicobacter pylori from Wild Houseflies Musca domestica with a New Perspective for the Treatment

Background: High frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection and the unknown mode of transmission prompted us to investigate H. pylori-wild housefly relationship. H. pylori causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancer. H. pylori persists in the gut of the experimentally infected houseflies. The existence of H. pylori strains isolated from wild houseflies, on the other hand, has never been documented. Materials and Methods: In this study, 902 wild houseflies from different sites were identified as Musca domestica, then 60 flies were screened by traditional microbiological techniques and H. pylori-specific 16S rRNA gene. The antibiotic resistance (ART) was investigated phenotypically. Wild housefly gut bacterial isolates were further evaluated genotypically to have 23S rRNA gene mutation related to clarithromycin resistance. To find efficient therapeutic alternatives, the potency of three plant extracts (garlic, ginger, and lemon) and the wasp, Vespa orientalis venom was evaluated against H. pylori. The cytotoxic effect of the crude wasp venom, the most potent extract, against Vero and Colon cancer (Caco2) cell lines was investigated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Results: All isolates from houseflies were positive. The isolated bacteria have variable resistance to frequently used antibiotics in all isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentration values of 15.625 mg/mL for both ginger and lemon extracts, 7.8125 mg/mL for garlic extract, and 0.0313 mg/mL for wasp venom were recorded. Wasp venom has the most potent antibacterial activity compared with the four antibiotics that are currently used in therapies against H. pylori. Conclusion: We conclude that wild houseflies can play a role in disseminating H. pylori. The housefly gut may be a suitable environment for the horizontal transfer of ART genes among its associated microbiome and H. pylori. Wasp venom proved its potential activity as a new and effective anti-H. pylori drug for both therapeutic and preventative usage.

Correlation between Chemical Profile of Georgian Propolis Extracts and Their Activity against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is considered the most common bacterial pathogen colonizing stomach mucosa of almost half the world's population and is associated with various gastrointestinal diseases (from digestive problems and ulcers to gastric cancer). A lack of new drugs and a growing number of H. pylori antibiotic-resistant strains is a serious therapeutic problem.As a mixture of natural compounds, propolis has antimicrobial activity based on high concentrations of bioactive polyphenols (mainly flavonoids and phenolic acid derivates). The chemical composition of tested Georgian propolis is characterized by the presence of flavonoids aglycones, and phenolic acid monoesters, e.g., pinobanksin-5-methyl ether, pinobanksin, chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin, pinobanksin-3-O-acetate, pinostrobin and pinobanksin-3-O-butanoate, or isobutanoate and methoxycinnamic acid cinnamyl ester. The anti-H. pylori activity of 70% ethanol water extracts of 10 Georgian propolis samples was evaluated in vitro by MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) against the reference strain (H. pylori ATCC 43504) and 10 clinical strains with different antibiotic-resistance patterns. The strongest anti-Helicobacter activity (MIC and MBC = 31.3 µg/mL) was observed for propolis from Orgora, Ota, and Vardzia and two from Khaheti. Lower levels of activity (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL) were found in propolis obtained from Qvakhreli and Pasanauri, while the lowest effect was observed for Norio and Mestia (MIC = 125.0 µg/mL). However, despite differences in MIC, all evaluated samples exhibited bactericidal activity. We selected the most active propolis samples for assessment of urease inhibition property. Enzyme activity was inhibited by propolis extracts, with IC₅₀ ranging from 4.01 to 1484.8 µg/mL. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical fuzzy clustering (dendrograms) coupled with matrix correlation analysis exhibited that the strongest anti-Helicobacter activity was connected with black poplar origin and high flavonoid content of propolis. Samples with lower activity contained higher presence of aspen markers and/or dominance of non-flavonoid polyphenols over flavonoids. In summary, Georgian propolis can be regarded as a source bioactive compounds that can be used as adjuvant in therapy of H. pylori infection.

Anti-Heliobacter pylori and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Salvia officinalis Metabolites: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

Due to its rising antibiotic resistance and associated inflammations, Helicobacter pylori poses a challenge in modern medicine. Salvia officinalis, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is a promising medicinal herb. In this regard, a phytochemical screening followed by GC-MS and LC-MS was done to evaluate the chemical profile of the total ethanolic extract (TES) and the essential oil, respectively. The anti-H. pylori and the anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by a micro-well dilution technique and COX-2 inhibition assay. Potential anti-H. pylori inhibitors were determined by an in silico study. The results revealed that the main metabolites were flavonoids, sterols, volatile oil, saponins, and carbohydrates. The LC-MS negative ionization mode demonstrated 12 compounds, while GC-MS showed 21 compounds. Carnosic acid (37.66%), epirosmanol (20.65%), carnosol1 (3.3%), and 12-O-methyl carnosol (6.15%) were predominated, while eucalyptol (50.04%) and camphor (17.75%) were dominant in LC-MS and GC-MS, respectively. TES exhibited the strongest anti-H. pylori activity (3.9 µg/mL) asymptotic to clarithromycin (0.43 µg/mL), followed by the oil (15.63 µg/mL). Carnosic acid has the best-fitting energy to inhibit H. pylori (-46.6769 Kcal/mol). TES showed the highest reduction in Cox-2 expression approaching celecoxib with IC₅₀ = 1.7 ± 0.27 µg/mL, followed by the oil with IC₅₀ = 5.3 ± 0.62 µg/mL. Our findings suggest that S. officinalis metabolites with anti-inflammatory capabilities could be useful in H. pylori management. Further in vivo studies are required to evaluate and assess its promising activity.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori virulence markers on clinical outcomes in adult populations

BACKGROUND

In recent years, associations between specific virulence markers of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and gastrointestinal disorders have been suggested.

AIM

To investigate the presence of virulence factors including vacuolating cytotoxin A genotypes (s1m1, s1m2, s2m1, and s2m2), cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), and urease activity in H. pylori strains isolated from Arab and Jewish populations in northern Israel and to assess associations between these factors and patients’ demographics and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Patients (n = 108) who underwent gastroscopy at the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya due to symptomatic gastroduodenal pathologies as part of H. pylori diagnosis were enrolled in the study. Gastric biopsy specimens were collected from the antrum of the stomach. Clinical condition was assessed by clinical pathology tests. Bacteria were isolated on modified BD Helicobacter Agar (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD, United States). Bacterial DNA was extracted, and PCR was performed to detect CagA and vacuolating cytotoxin A genes. Urease activity was assessed using a rapid urease test.

RESULTS

A significant correlation was found between disease severity and patient ethnicity (P = 0.002). A significant correlation was found between CagA presence and the s1m1 genotype (P = 0.02), which is considered the most virulent genotype. Further, a higher level of urease activity was associated with isolates originating from the Jewish population. Moreover, higher urease activity levels were measured among CagA-/s1m1 and CagA-/s2m2 isolates.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the importance of incorporating molecular methods for detection of virulence markers of H. pylori in order to tailor optimal treatments for each patient. Further investigation should be performed regarding associations between H. pylori virulence factors and ethnicity.

Gastroprotective and anti-Helicobacter pylori potentials of essential oils from the oleoresins of Araucaria bidwillii and Araucaria heterophylla

Plant resins or oleoresins comprise a chemically complex mixture of different classes of compounds. Oleoresin of the genus Araucaria combines essential oil (EO) and resin. It possesses gastroprotective, cytotoxic, and timicrobial, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The study aimed to investigate the EOs from the oleoresins of two Araucaria species, A. bidwillii and A. heterophylla, chemically and biologically for their gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-Helicobacter pylori potentials. The chemical composition of both species cultivated in Egypt was analyzed with GC-MS and compared with those cultivated abroad using principal component analysis (PCA). There were 37 and 17 secondary metabolites identified in A. heterophylla and A. bidwillii, respectively. The EOs of both species showed a pronounced inhibitory effect on Helicobacter pylori activity in vitro. The gastroprotective effect was assessed in vivo using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) biomarkers were assessed in the stomach tissues. The ulcer index and percentage of ulcer protection were determined. Stomach sections were examined histopathologically by staining with (H/E) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS). Moreover, the proliferative index was determined using the Ki-67 immunostaining. The treatment of rats with EOs (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, orally) 1 hour prior to ethanol administration showed promising gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potentials. These findings declared the gastroprotective role played by both EOs with the superiority of A. bidwillii over A. heterophylla via modulation of oxidative stress/NF-κB/inflammatory cytokines. Their use can be recommended to protect against the recurrence of peptic ulcers.

The tibetan medicine Zuozhu-Daxi can prevent Helicobacter pylori induced-gastric mucosa inflammation by inhibiting lipid metabolism

Background

Tibetan medicine has been used in clinical practice for more than 3800 years. Zuozhu-Daxi (ZZDX), a classic traditional Tibetan medicine, has been proved to be effective in the treatment of digestive diseases, such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, etc. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), one of the most common pathogenic microbes, is regarded as the most common cause of gastritis. Researching on the effects of ZZDX on H. pylori-induced gastric mucosa inflammation could provide more evidences on H. pylori treatment and promote the development of Tibetan medicine. This study aimed to explore whether ZZDX could rescue H. pylori-induced gastric mucosa inflammation and its mechanism.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were infected with H. pylori, and orally treated with ZZDX to rescue gastric mucosa inflammation induced by H. pylori infection. Pathology of gastric mucosa inflammation was evaluated under microscopy by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. The infection status of H. pylori was evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in serum was evaluated using a detection kit. IL-1α, IL-6, and PGE2 expression levels in serum were measured using ELISA. IL-1α, IL-8, TNF-α, and NOD1 expression levels in gastric tissues were measured using real-time PCR. RNA sequencing and gene certification of interest were performed to explore the mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

Results

The results showed that ZZDX could significantly inhibit H. pylori-induced gastric mucosa inflammation using HE staining. IL-1α, IL-6, and PGE2 expression levels in serum were significantly decreased after treatment with ZZDX. ZZDX treatment significantly decreased the mRNA expression of IL-8 induced by H. pylori infection in gastric tissues. Elovl4, Acot1 and Scd1 might be involved in the mechanisms of ZZDX treatment. However, the H. pylori infection status in the gastric mucosa was not reduced after ZZDX treatment.

Conclusions

ZZDX reversed gastric mucosal injury and alleviated gastric mucosa inflammation induced by H. pylori infection.

Treatment opportunities with Fernandoa adenophylla and recent novel approaches for natural medicinal phytochemicals as a drug delivery system

Fernandoa adenophylla (FA, Heterophragma adenophyllum) is a plant, cultivated throughout Africa and Southeast Asia. It contains potent phytochemicals such as novel naphthoquinones, their derivatives (peshwaraquinone, dilapachone, adenophyllone, indadone, and lapachol), and triterpenoids [ursolic acid (UA), β-sitosterol (BS), α-amyrin, and oleanolic acid (OA)] that have been assessed and reported to show potential pharmacological activities. The crude extract obtained from the plant has been investigated for certain pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-tubercular (TB), antihypertensive, and leishmanicidal activity. A novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) is the latest technique that combines innovative development, formulations, new technology, and methodologies for the safe delivery of pharmaceutical substances in the body. The present study reports the possible treatment opportunities of FA and recent possible novel drug delivery approaches for the natural medicinal phytochemicals.

Metabolic Profiling by GC-MS, In Vitro Biological Potential, and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of Verbena officinalis

Verbena officinalis L. is a traditionally important medicinal herb that has a rich source of bioactive phytoconstituents with biological benefits. The objective of this study was to assess the metabolic profile and in vitro biological potential of V. officinalis. The bioactive phytoconstituents were evaluated by preliminary phytochemical studies, estimation of polyphenolic contents, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of all fractions (crude methanolic, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) of V. officinalis. The biological investigation was performed by different assays including antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP), enzyme inhibition assays (urease and α-glucosidase), and hemolytic activity. The ethyl acetate extract had the maximum concentration of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (394.30 ± 1.09 mg GAE·g^-1 DE and 137.35 ± 0.94 mg QE·g^-1 DE, respectively). Significant antioxidant potential was observed in all fractions by all four antioxidant methods. Maximum urease inhibitory activity in terms of IC₅₀ value was shown by ethyl acetate fraction (10 ± 1.60 µg mL^-1) in comparison to standard hydroxy urea (9.8 ± 1.20 µg·mL^-1). The n-hexane extract showed good α-glucosidase inhibitory efficacy (420 ± 20 µg·mL^-1) as compared to other extract/fractions. Minimum hemolytic activity was found in crude methanolic fraction (6.5 ± 0.94%) in comparison to positive standard Triton X-100 (93.5 ± 0.48%). The GC-MS analysis of all extract/fractions of V. officinalis including crude methanolic, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions, resulted in the identification of 24, 56, 25, and 9 bioactive compounds, respectively, with 80% quality index. Furthermore, the bioactive compounds identified by GC-MS were analyzed using in silico molecular docking studies to determine the binding affinity between ligands and enzymes (urease and α-glucosidase). In conclusion, V. officinalis possesses multiple therapeutical potentials, and further research is needed to explore its use in the treatment of chronic diseases.

GC-MS Profiling, Anti-Helicobacter pylori, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Three Apiaceous Fruits' Essential Oils

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori is a challenge due to rising antibiotic resistance and GIT-related disorders. Cuminum cyminum, Pimpinella anisum, and Carum carvi are fruits belonging to the Apiaceae family. Their essential oils were extracted, analyzed using GC-MS, tested for anti-H. pylori activity by a micro-well dilution technique, identified for potential anti-H. pylori inhibitors by an in-silico study, and investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using a COX-2 inhibition assay. Results showed that the main components of C. cyminum, P. anisum, and C. carvi were cumaldehyde (41.26%), anethole (92.41%), and carvone (51.38%), respectively. Essential oil of C. cyminum exhibited the greatest anti-H. pylori activity (3.9 µg/mL) followed by P. anisum (15.63 µg/mL), while C. carvi showed the lowest activity (62.5 µg/mL). The in-silico study showed that cumaldehyde in C. cyminum has the best fitting energy to inhibit H. pylori.C. cyminum essential oil showed the maximum ability to reduce the production of Cox-2 expression approaching celecoxib with IC₅₀ = 1.8 ± 0.41 µg/mL, followed by the C. carvi oil IC₅₀ = 7.3 ± 0.35 µg/mL and then oil of P. anisum IC₅₀ = 10.7±0.63 µg/mL. The investigated phytochemicals in this study can be used as potential adjunct therapies with conventional antibiotics against H. pylori.

Preventive and therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM54 on Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis by ameliorating inflammation and restoring gastric microbiota in mice model

Helicobacter pylori is the most prevalent pathogen causing chronic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, and gastric tumors and is asymptomatically present in 50% of the world's population. This research is focused on investigating the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei ZFM 54 (CCTCC NO:2016667) on attenuating H. pylori-induced gastritis. H. pylori ZJC03 isolated from a patient with gastritis harbored the virulence genes of vacA and cagA and was highly resistant to metronidazole (MIC > 256 μg/mL). In vitro analysis revealed that the potential anti-H. pylori characteristics of L. paracasei ZFM54 in terms of 65.57 ± 1.87% survival rate in simulated gastric juices at a pH of 2.0, 69.00 ± 2.73% auto-aggregation, 30.28 ± 2.24% co-aggregation, 70.27 ± 2.23% urease inhibition, and 57.89 ± 1.27% radical scavenging. In H. pylori infectious mice, L. paracasei ZFM54 pre- and post-treatment reduced the levels of malondialdehyde in liver tissues to 0.71 ± 0.04 nmol/mgprot (p < 0.05) and 0.70 ± 0.06 nmol/mgprot (p < 0.05), respectively. Glutathione levels were increased to 1.78 ± 0.02 μmol/gprot (p < 0.05) and 1.76 ± 0.52 μmol/gprot (p < 0.05), respectively. L. paracasei ZFM54 significantly inhibited H. pylori-mediated inflammation observed in gastric mucosal repair and downregulated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.01). Importantly, L. paracasei ZFM54 increased Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota and decreased the relative abundance of bacterial taxa belonging to Campilobacterota and Proteobacteria. With the preventive and therapeutic administration of L. paracasei ZFM54, significant reductions in the average relative abundance of genera Helicobacter, Muribaculum, Staphylococcus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Alloprevotella, and Oscillibacter were observed compared to infected mice. These findings suggest that L. paracasei ZFM 54 has the potential to protect against H. pylori infection by ameliorating inflammation and restoring the gastric microbiota.

Isolation of secondary metabolites from Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry. (cloves), and evaluation of their biological activities

Phytochemical investigation of dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry. (clove) led to the isolation and identification of fourteen known compounds, oleanolic acid (1), betulinic acid (2), para methyl benzoic acid (3), sabrinic acid (4) eucalyptolic acid (5), nigricin (6), 3-O-trans-para-coumaroylmaslinic acid (7), methyl maslinate (8), maslinic acid (9), 3, 4, 5-trimethoxy-3',4'-O,O-methylideneflavellagic acid (10), lantanone (11) 3,4,3'-trimethoxyellagic acid (12), 11-oxo-oleanolic acid (13), and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (14). Their structures were identified by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, Mass spectroscopic techniques, and comparison with the literature data. Compounds 3, and 7-9 showed a strong mortality against root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita at 0.125% concentration after 72 hours (88-92% inhibition). Compound 4 showed a good anti-glycation activity with IC₅₀ = 142.0 ± 1.8 µM when compared with standard, i.e. rutin (IC₅₀ = 54.59 ± 2.20 µM). Compound 10 showed a comparable urease inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 26.1 ± 0.19 µM) with the positive control thiourea (IC₅₀ = 24.5 ± 0.34 µM).

Asclepain cI, a proteolytic enzyme from Asclepias curassavica L., a south American plant, against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram negative bacterium most frequently associated with human gastrointestinal infections worldwide. The increasing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant isolates of H. pylori constitutes a challenge. The eradication of the microorganism is currently being considered a “high priority” by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this context, bioactive compounds found in natural products seem to be an effective therapeutic option to develop new antibiotics against the pathogen. In this study, we investigated the effect of asclepain cI, the main purified proteolytic enzyme of the latex of petioles and stems from Asclepia curassavica L. (Asclepiadaceae), a South American native plant, against H. pylori; in order to obtain a natural therapeutic adjuvant and a safe nutraceutical product. Asclepain cI showed antibacterial activity against reference strains and drug-resistant clinical isolates of H. pylori in vitro. A range of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) from 1 to 2 μg/ml and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) from 2 to 4 μg/ml was obtained, respectively. The action of asclepain cI on the transcription of omp18, ureA, flaA genes showed a significantly decreased expression of the selected pathogenic factors. Furthermore, asclepain cI did not induce toxic effects at the concentrations assayed. Asclepain cI could be considered a highly feasible option to be used as a natural therapeutic adjuvant and a safe nutraceutical product against H. pylori.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of Campomanesia lineatifolia Ruiz & Pavón (Myrtaceae) Essential Oil

Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers, and the number of resistant strains to multiple conventional antimicrobial agents has been increasing in different parts of the world. Several studies have shown that some essential oils (EO) have bioactive compounds, which can be attributed to antimicrobial activity. Therefore, EOs have been proposed as a natural alternative to antibiotics, or for use in combination with conventional treatment for H. pylori infection. Campomanesia lineatifolia is an edible species found in the Brazilian forests, and their leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and antioxidant properties are attributed to C. lineatifolia leaf extracts; however, studies related to the chemical constituents of the essential oil and anti-H. pylori activity is not described. This work aims to identify the chemical composition of the EO from C. lineatifolia leaves and evaluate the anti-H. pylori activity. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation from C. lineatifolia leaves and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. To assess the in vitro anti-H. pylori activity of the C. lineatifolia leaf's EO (6 μL/mL-25 μL/mL), we performed broth microdilution assays by using type cultures (ATCC 49503, NCTC 11638, both clarithromycin-sensitive) and clinical isolate strains (SSR359, clarithromycin-sensitive, and SSR366, clarithromycin-resistant). A total of eight new compounds were identified from the EO (3-hexen-1-ol (46.15%), α-cadinol (20.35%), 1,1-diethoxyethane (13.08%), 2,3-dicyano-7,7-dimethyl-5,6-benzonorbornadiene (10.78%), aromadendrene 2 (3.0%), [3-S-(3α, 3aα, 6α, 8aα)]-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,7,7-trimethyl-8-methylene-3H-3a,6-methanoazulene (2.99%), α-bisabolol (0.94%), and β-curcumene (0.8%)), corresponding to 98.09% of the total oil composition. The EO inhibited the growth of all H. pylori strains tested (MIC 6 μL/mL). To our knowledge, the current study investigates the relation between the chemical composition and the anti-H. pylori activity of the C. lineatifolia EO for the first time. Our findings show the potential use of the C. lineatifolia leaf EO against sensitive and resistant clarithromycin H. pylori strains and suggest that this antimicrobial activity could be related to its ethnopharmacological use.

In Vitro Activity of the Arylaminoartemisinin GC012 against Helicobacter pylori and Its Effects on Biofilm

This study evaluated the in vitro activity of the arylaminoartemisinin GC012, readily obtained from dihydroartemisinin (DHA), against clinical strains of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) with different antibiotic susceptibilities in the planktonic and sessile state. The activity was assessed in terms of bacteriostatic and bactericidal potential. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the broth microdilution method. After treatment with GC012, all bacterial strains showed significantly lower MIC and MBC values compared to those of DHA. The effect of combination of GC012 with antibiotics was examined using the checkerboard method. GC012 displayed synergistic interactions with metronidazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin in all the strains. The antibiofilm activity was evaluated via crystal violet staining, AlamarBlue^® assay, colony-forming unit count, and fluorescence microscopy. At ½ MIC and ¼ MIC concentration, both GC012 and DHA inhibited biofilm formation, but only GC012 showed a minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) on mature biofilm. Furthermore, both compounds induced structural changes in the bacterial membrane, as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is thereby demonstrated that GC012 has the potential to be efficacious against H. pylori infection.

Antibacterial Effects of Bacteriocin PLNC8 against Helicobacter pylori and Its Potential Mechanism of Action

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that can cause a variety of gastric diseases. Most bacteriocins have gained popularity due to their non-toxic effects on cells and antibacterial effects against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the chemical synthesis of the bipeptide bacteriocin PLNC8 was used to investigate its possible action mechanism against H. pylori ZJC03 in vitro. Results showed that PLNC8 had significant anti-H. pylori ZJC03 potential, which resulted in a significant reduction in urease activity and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 80 μM. PLNC8 inhibited the growth of H. pylori ZJC03, disrupting its structure as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, PLNC8 decreased the ATP level and hydrogen peroxide sensitivity of H. pylori ZJC03. In conclusion, PLNC8 disrupts the ability of H. pylori ZJC03 to alter the host environment, providing a new avenue for the prevention and control of H. pylori infection, providing a theoretical foundation for further elucidation of its regulatory mechanism.

The Nutraceutical Properties of Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) against Gastritis: Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Gastric Epithelial Cells Infected with H. pylori

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is a spice and medicinal herb traditionally used in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Since we previously demonstrated Sumac biological activity in a model of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced skin inflammation, the present work is aimed at further demonstrating a potential role in inflammatory disorders, focusing on gastritis. For this purpose, different polar extracts (water-W, ethanol-water-EW, ethanol-E, ethanol macerated-Em, acetone-Ac, ethylacetate-EtA) were investigated in gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) challenged by TNF-α or H. pylori infection. The ethanolic extracts (E, EW, Em) showed the major phenolic contents, correlating with lower half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) on the release of interleukin-8 (IL-8, <15 μg/mL) and interleukin-6 (IL-6, <20 μg/mL) induced by TNF-α. Similarly, they inhibited IL-8 release (IC50s < 70 μg/mL) during Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and exhibited a direct antibacterial activity at comparable concentrations (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 100 μg/mL). The phenolic content and the bioactivity of EW were maintained after simulated gastric digestion and were associated with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) impairment, considered the main putative anti-inflammatory mechanism. On the contrary, an anti-urease activity was excluded. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the potential role of Sumac as a nutraceutical useful in H. pylori-related gastritis.

Exploring the potential of Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil against drug resistant Helicobacter pylori-producing cytotoxic genes

Thirty-one of sixty dyspeptic patients tested positive for Helicobacter pylori colonization in this study, as determined by histopathology and 16S rRNA. The cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (vacA) genes were found in 67.7 and 93.5% of H. pylori patients, respectively. The cagA gene was found to be associated with 100% of patients with duodenal erosion and ulceration identified via endoscopy examination. In addition, 86.7% of patients with cancerous and precancerous lesions, glandular atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia identified via histopathology examination. The vacA s1m1 mutation was associated with more severe forms of gastric erosion and ulceration, as well as the presence of precancerous and cancerous lesions. Eighteen (64.3%) of the twenty-eight isolates were classified as multi-drug resistant (MDR) or pan-drug resistant (PDR) H. pylori. Due to a resurgence of interest in alternative therapies derived from plants as a result of H. pylori resistance to the majority of commonly used antibiotics, the inhibitory activity of five essential oils extracted from some commonly used medicinal plants was evaluated in vitro against drug-resistant H. pylori clinical isolates. Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil demonstrated the highest anti-H. pylori activity when compared to the other essential oils tested. Cinnamaldehyde was the most abundant compound in C. zeylanicum (65.91%). The toxicological evaluation established the safety of C. zeylanicum oil for human use. As a result, C. zeylanicum essential oil may represent a novel antibacterial agent capable of combating drug-resistant H. pylori carrying cytotoxin genes.

The Antimicrobial Properties of Poplar and Aspen–Poplar Propolises and Their Active Components against Selected Microorganisms, Including Helicobacter pylori

There is a noticeable interest in alternative therapies where the outcome is the eradication of the Gram-negative bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), for the purpose of treating many stomach diseases (chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers) and preventing stomach cancer. It is especially urgent because the mentioned pathogen infects over 50% of the world’s population. Recent studies have shown the potential of natural products, such as medicinal plant and bee products, on the inhibition of H. pylori growth. Propolis is such a bee product, with known antimicrobial activities. The main scope of the study is the determination of the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts from 11 propolis samples (mostly from Poland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Greece) against H. pylori, as well as selected bacterial and yeast species. The most effective against H. pylori was the propolis from Ukraine, with an MIC = 0.02 mg/mL while the rest of samples (except one) had an MIC = 0.03 mg/mL. Moreover, significant antimicrobial activity against Gram+ bacteria (with an MIC of 0.02–2.50 mg/mL) and three yeasts (with an MIC of 0.04–0.63 mg/mL) was also observed. A phytochemical analysis (polyphenolic profile) of the propolis samples, by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS), was performed. An evaluation of the impact of the propolis components on antimicrobial activity, consisting of statistical analyses (principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical fuzzy clustering), was then performed. It was observed that the chemical composition characteristics of the poplar propolis correlated with higher antibacterial activity, while that of the poplar and aspen propolis correlated with weaker antibacterial activity. To summarize the activity in vitro, all tested propolis samples indicate that they can be regarded as useful and potent factors in antimicrobial therapies, especially against H. pylori.

Antimicrobial Effect of a Proteolytic Enzyme From the Fruits of Solanum granuloso-leprosum (Dunal) Against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative, helix-shaped, and microaerophilic bacteria that colonizes the human gastric mucosa, causing chronic infections, gastritis, peptic ulcer, lymphomas associated with lymphoid mucosa tissue, and gastric cancer. H. pylori is considered a Type 1 human carcinogen by WHO. The prevalence of the infection is estimated in more than half of the world population. Treatment of H. pylori infection includes antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, but the increasing antibiotic resistance promotes the research of novel, more effective, and natural antibacterial compounds. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the partially purified proteolytic extract (RAP) of the fruits from Solanum granuloso-leprosum (Dunal), a South American native plant, and a purified fraction named granulosain I, against H. pylori, to obtain natural food additives for the production of anti-H. pylori functional foods. Furthermore, granulosain I and RAP could be used as natural adjuncts to conventional therapies. Granulosain I and RAP antibacterial activity was evaluated as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against H. pylori NCTC 11638 (reference strain) and twelve H. pylori wild strains, using a microdilution plating technique (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute). All the strains tested were susceptible to granulosain I with MIC from 156.25 to 312.5 μg/mL and MBC from 312.5 to 625 μg/mL, respectively. Besides, all the strains tested were susceptible to the RAP with MIC from 312.5 to 625 μg/mL and MBC from 625 to 1,250 μg/mL, respectively. The effect of granulosain I and RAP on the transcription of H. pylori genes encoding pathogenic factors, omp18, ureA, and flaA, with respect to a housekeeping gene (16S rRNA), was evaluated by RT-PCR technique. The band intensity between pathogenic factors and control gene was correlated under treated or untreated conditions, using the ImageJ program. Granulosain I and RAP significantly decreased the expression of pathogenic factors: omp18, ureA, and flaA. The combined inhibitory effect of granulosain I or RAP and an antibiotic such as, amoxicillin (AML, 10 μg), clarithromycin (CLA, 15 μg), levofloxacin (LEV, 5 μg), and metronidazole (MTZ, 5 μg) was evaluated, using the agar diffusion technique. Granulosain I and RAP showed significant synergistic effect on AML, CLA, and LEV, but no significant effect on MTZ was observed. Besides, granulosain I and RAP did not show toxicological effects at the concentrations studied. Finally, granulosain I and RAP could be used as safe natural food additives and as adjuvants for conventional therapies against H. pylori.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Activities of Nine Commercial Essential Oils against Brown Rot in Apples

After harvest, numerous plant pathogenic fungi can infect fresh fruits during transit and storage. Although synthetic fungicides are often used to manage postharvest fruit diseases, their application may lead to problems such as the development of fungicide resistance and residues on fruits. In the present study, the antifungal potential of nine commercial essential oils (EOs) extracted from Eucalyptus radiata ssp. radiata, Mentha pulegium, Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum compactum, Lavandula angustifolia, Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus vulgaris, Citrus aurantium, and Citrus sinensis were tested against the apple brown rot fungi Monilinia laxa and Monilinia fructigena at different concentrations in vitro (against mycelial growth and spore germination) and in vivo (on detached apple fruit and in semi-commercial postharvest conditions). In addition, fruit quality parameters were evaluated and the composition of the EOs was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. In vitro results showed significant antifungal activity of all tested EOs on both fungal species. EOs from S. aromaticum were the most effective, whereby inhibition percentages ranged from 64.0 to 94.7% against M. laxa and from 63.9 to 94.4% against M. fructigena for the concentrations 12.5 and 100 µL/mL, respectively, with an EC50 of 6.74 µL/mL for M. laxa and 10.1 µL/mL for M. fructigena. The higher concentrations tested of S. aromaticum, T. vulgaris, C. aurantium, and C. sinensis EOs significantly reduced spore germination, brown rot incidence, and lesion diameter. Evaluation of the treatments during storage for 20 days at 4 °C on apple fruit quality parameters demonstrated the preservation of the fruit quality characteristics studied (weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, firmness, and maturity index). FT-IR spectra obtained from all tested EO samples presented characteristic peaks and a high diversity of functional groups such as O–H groups, C–H bonds, and C–C stretching. The EOs examined here may have the potential for controlling postharvest fungal diseases of fruit such as brown rot.

Effect of formulations and fermentation processes on volatile organic compounds and prebiotic potential of gluten-free bread fortified by spirulina (Arthrospira platensis)

Gluten free (GF) foods, designed and marketed for the needs of people who are unable to metabolize gluten, in recent years have aroused growing interest that has led to the conquest of important market segments, with a strongly growing trend. Given the low protein content of standard GF flours, it is particularly important to fortify GF foods, and to study the effect that this process exerts on functional and sensorial characteristics. In this work, fortification of GF bakery goods was done with the addition of Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) flour. Two different dough formulations (with and without fortification) were fermented by four different processes, including spontaneous, single strains and sourdough starters. The baked products were then subjected to "consumer's tests". During the process, fermentation performances, prebiotic activity, and the VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) profiles were analyzed and compared through robust multivariate statistics. The results obtained evidenced that fortification led to a product with more abundant (medium organic acids) and exclusive bioactives (thymol, borneol, and nicotinic acid), which were correlated to the prebiotic activity of spirulina breads. This work, for the first time indicates that spirulina can be used to fortify GF bakery, improving also its functional potential.

Evaluation of Enzyme Inhibition and Anti-Quorum Sensing Potentials of Melaleuca alternifolia and Citrus sinensis Essential Oils

In this study, Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betche) Cheel (tea tree) oil and C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck (orange) oil was procured, and their chemical compositions were characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, with co-injection using authentic samples. The oils were rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons making up 84.5% of C. sinensis and 48.9% of M. alternifolia oils. High amounts of oxygenated monoterpenoids were also identified in C. sinensis (9.6%) and M. alternifolia (49.3%) oils. The three most abundant compounds were limonene (71.2%), linalool (5.5%), and β-myrcene (5.1%) in C. sinensis, and terpinen-4-ol (45.6%), γ-terpinene (19.4%) and α-terpinene (9.3%) in M. alternifolia. Enzyme inhibitions (anticholinesterase, antiurease, antityrosinase) of both essential oils were evaluated. In acetylcholinesterase assay, M. alternifolia and C. sinensis had inhibition concentration (IC50) values of 153.7 ± 1.25 and 96.4 ± 1.0 µg/mL, respectively as compared to 5.42 ± 0.11 µg/mL for galantamine, while in butyrylcholinesterase assay, M. alternifolia (IC50 = 85.6 ± 0.7 µg/mL) and C. sinensis (IC50 = 127.8 ± 0.6 µg/mL) exhibited moderate activities compared to galantamine (IC50 = 45.8 ± 0.8 µg/mL). In the urease inhibitory activity, essential oils of C. sinensis and M. alternifolia showed 48.4% ± 0.9% and 30.6% ± 0.7% inhibitions at 200 µg/mL concentration, respectively. Quorum sensing (QS) mediated violacein production in Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472 was inhibited by 100% at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for both oils while showing QS inhibition diameter zones in C. violaceum of 22.5 ± 0.4 mm and 14.3 ± 0.5 mm for C. sinensis and M. alternifolia oils, respectively at MIC concentration. The good quorum-sensing potential indicates that these oils can suppress microbial resistance and severity of infections.

Helicobacter pylori infection: from standard to alternative treatment strategies

Helicobacter pylori is the major component of the gastric microbiome of infected individuals and one of the aetiological factors of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The increasing resistance to antibiotics worldwide has made the treatment of H. pylori infection a challenge. As a way to overhaul the efficacy of currently used H. pylori antibiotic-based eradication therapies, alternative treatment strategies are being devised. These include probiotics and prebiotics as adjuvants in H. pylori treatment, antimicrobial peptides as alternatives to antibiotics, photodynamic therapy ingestible devices, microparticles and nanoparticles applied as drug delivery systems, vaccines, natural products, and phage therapy. This review provides an updated synopsis of these emerging H. pylori control strategies and discusses the advantages, hurdles, and challenges associated with their development and implementation. An effective human vaccine would be a major achievement although, until now, projects regarding vaccine development have failed or were discontinued. Numerous natural products have demonstrated anti-H. pylori activity, mostly in vitro, but further clinical studies are needed to fully disclose their role in H. pylori eradication. Finally, phage therapy has the potential to emerge as a valid alternative, but major challenges remain, namely the isolation of more H. pylori strictly virulent bacterio(phages).

Potentiation of anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of clarithromycin by Pelargonium graveolens oil

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Peptic ulcer is one of the most serious diseases in Egypt, affecting more than one-third of the population. Helicobacter pylori is the main organism responsible for peptic ulcer formation. These ulcers can lead to chronic active gastritis and lymphoma. As such, in this study, we evaluate the efficacy of Pelargonium graveolens oil for the treatment of H pylori, as well as its synergistic effects with the antibiotic clarithromycin (CLR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the chemical composition of P. graveolens volatile oil as well as its anti-Helicobacter activities. We assessed the volatile oil components using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. We determined anti-H. pylori potential using a micro-well dilution method.

RESULTS

We identified 92 compounds from the oil. Citronellol, geraniol, citronellyl formate, and isolongifolan-7-α-ol were the predominant components (15.64%, 11.31%, 10.19%, and 7.84%, respectively). The oil exhibited a good activity against H. pylori at an minimal inhibitory concentration of 15.63 µg/ml. Once we combined the volatile oil with CLR, a significant synergistic effect appeared at an fractional inhibitory concentration index of 0.38 µg/ml.

CONCLUSION

The in-vitro interaction between the P. graveolens oil and CLR improved the antimicrobial activity of the latter, suggesting that further studies are needed to determine formulations for potential antimicrobial applications in food and pharmaceuticals.

In Vitro Screening Potential Antibacterial Properties of the Greek Oregano Honey against Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori

Oregano honey is an exceedingly rare and distinct product, not commercially available, produced by bees bred in oregano fields of alpine altitudes at the mountainous area of Epirus, Greece. In ethnic popular medicine, this product is used as a therapeutic in various gastric diseases. To test this hypothesis, 14 strains of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), 6 isolated from gastric ulcers and 8 from cases of clinical gastritis, were employed in the present study. The above bacterial strains were exposed to various concentrations (75% v/v, 50% v/v, 25% v/v, 12.5% v/v, and 6% v/v) of 50 oregano honey samples by using the agar well method and the inhibition zones observed around each well were recorded. Although the inhibitory zones of the H. pylori isolated from the gastric ulcers were wide enough (0–34 mm), those strains, in general, appeared more resistant than the other eight (0–58 mm). The same result was observed when the same strains were tested against six antibiotics used in clinical practice. Extracts of oregano honey were prepared by extraction with four different organic solvents. N-hexane and chloroform extracts had the most potent antibacterial action. Finally, pure oregano honey and diethyl ether extracts of honey showed significant inhibitory activity against urease secreted by the pathogen. These results strongly indicate the susceptibility of H. pylori strains to the oregano honey by more than one mode of action. Consequently, this variety of honey seems to have potential therapeutic properties against gastric ulcers and gastritis, thus explaining the preference of the locals towards this traditional remedy.

Phytochemical Fingerprinting and In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of the Aerial Parts of Thymus marschallianus Willd. and Thymus seravschanicus Klokov Growing Widely in Southern Kazakhstan

The chemical composition of the hydroethanolic extracts (60% v/v) from the aerial parts of Thymus marschallianus Willd (TM) and Thymus seravschanicus Klokov (TS) from Southern Kazakhstan flora was analyzed together with their hexane fractions. Determination of antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of both extracts was also performed. RP-HPLC/PDA and HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS showed that there were some differences between the composition of both extracts. The most characteristic components of TM were rosmarinic acid, protocatechuic acid, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, and apigenin 7-O-glucuronide, while protocatechuic acid, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, and eriodictyol predominated in TS. The content of polyplenols was higher in TS than in TM. The GC-MS analysis of the volatile fraction of both examined extracts revealed the presence of thymol and carvacrol. Additionally, sesquiterpenoids, fatty acids, and their ethyl esters were found in TM, and fatty acid methyl esters in TS. The antioxidant activity of both extracts was similar. The antibacterial activity of TS extract was somewhat higher than TM, while antifungal activity was the same. TS extract was the most active against Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43504 with MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) = 0.625 mg/mL, exerting a bactericidal effect. The obtained data provide novel information about the phytochemistry of both thyme species and suggest new potential application of TS as a source of bioactive compounds, especially with anti-H. pylori activity.

Arylmethylene hydrazine derivatives containing 1,3-dimethylbarbituric moiety as novel urease inhibitors

A new series of arylmethylene hydrazine derivatives bearing 1,3-dimethylbarbituric moiety 7a–o were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro urease inhibitory activity. All the title compounds displayed high anti-urease activity, with IC₅₀ values in the range of 0.61 ± 0.06–4.56 ± 0.18 µM as compared to the two standard inhibitors hydroxyurea (IC₅₀ = 100 ± 0.15 μM) and thiourea (IC₅₀ = 23 ± 1.7 μM). Among the synthesized compounds, compound 7h with 2-nitro benzylidene group was found to be the most potent compound. Kinetic study of this compound revealed that it is a mix-mode inhibitor against urease. Evaluation of the interaction modes of the synthesized compounds in urease active site by molecular modeling revealed that that compounds with higher urease inhibitor activity (7h, 7m, 7c, 7l, 7i, and 7o, with IC₅₀ of 0.61, 0.86, 1.2, 1.34, 1.33, 1.94 μM, respectively) could interact with higher number of residues, specially Arg609, Cys592 (as part of urease active site flap) and showed higher computed free energy, while compounds with lower urease activity (7f, 7n, 7g, and 7a with IC₅₀ of 3.56, 4.56, 3.62 and 4.43 μM, respectively) and could not provide the proper interaction with Arg609, and Cys592 as the key interacting residues along with lower free binding energy. MD investigation revealed compound 7h interacted with Arg609 and Cys592 which are of the key residues at the root part of mobile flap covering the active site. Interacting with the mentioned residue for a significant amount of time, affects the flexibility of the mobile flap covering the active site and causes inhibition of the ureolytic activity. Furthermore, in silico physico-chemical study of compounds 7a–o predicted that all these compounds are drug-likeness with considerable orally availability.

Natural compounds and extracts as novel antimicrobial agents

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide problem accounting for the reduction or in some cases absence of drugs effectiveness normally used in infections treatment. In the light of the even more spread ability of microbials to develop resistance, there is an urgent necessity to find novel and alternative routes to fight infections. Natural compounds or extracts can be a valid alternative either as monotherapy or as adjuvant in order to improve the effectiveness of the failing drugs. Areas covered: This review provides a comprehensive update (2018-2020) on the development state of innovative antimicrobial agents based on natural compounds and extracts, also describing their compositions, methods of production and use, mechanism of action, along with anti-microbial data when available. Expert opinion: Owing to the pivotal role that natural compounds often cover in the finding of novel drugs, their in-depth analysis could pave the way to the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. Most of the alternative approaches reported in this short review were validated through in vitro and in vivo (animal as well as human) models. The employment of natural derived compounds and extracts, alone or in combination with classical antimicrobial drugs, as antimicrobial agents could represent an important achievement to challenge pathogens resistant mechanisms.

Phytochemical and Biological Activity Studies on Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) Microshoot Cultures Grown in RITA® Temporary Immersion Systems

The main compounds in both extracts were gluconasturtiin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin and rutoside, the amounts of which were, respectively, determined as 182.93, 58.86 and 23.24 mg/100 g dry weight (DW) in biomass extracts and 640.94, 23.47 and 7.20 mg/100 g DW in plant herb extracts. The antioxidant potential of all the studied extracts evaluated using CUPRAC (CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Activity), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma), and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assays was comparable. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was tested based on the inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phospholipase A₂. The results demonstrate significantly higher inhibition of COX-2 for in vitro cultured biomass compared with the herb extracts (75.4 and 41.1%, respectively). Moreover, all the studied extracts showed almost similar antibacterial and antifungal potential. Based on these findings, and due to the fact that the growth of in vitro microshoots is independent of environmental conditions and unaffected by environmental pollution, we propose that biomass that can be rapidly grown in RITA^® bioreactors can serve as an alternative source of bioactive compounds with valuable biological properties.

Shift of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Gluten-Free Hemp-Enriched Sourdough Bread: A Metabolomic Approach

Hemp seed flour represents a potential ingredient for protein enrichment of gluten-free bakery products, the nutritional value of which could be further increased by fermentation with sourdough or with beneficial lactic acid bacteria strains. In this study, a metabolomic approach was used to evaluate the effect of hemp seed flour addition and sourdough fermentation on the production of flavoring and health-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a gluten-free bread. Multivariate analysis of VOCs provided an in-depth description of the effects of hemp seed flour addition and sourdough fermentation on flavoring and bioactive compounds. In particular, an increased concentration of antimicrobial compounds, a larger spectrum of bioactive VOCs and a typical flavoring profile was evidenced in comparison to standard products. Furthermore, an increase of fermentation metabolites was observed in comparison to a standard dough, relating to abundances of 2-butanone-3-hydroxy, acetic acid, ethanol, and 1,4-butanediol. This study provides new insights on the evolution of flavoring and bioactive hemp seed flour constituents during sourdough fermentation, evidencing their retention in baked goods, and describes a new approach that could guide the formulation of innovative, fermented food with enhanced nutritional value.