The role of herbal medicine in peptic ulcer disease management: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by mucosal lesions in the stomach and duodenum. The etiology of PUD is multifactorial, involving Helicobacter pylori infection, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and stress-related mucosal damage. Conventional treatment options for PUD include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor blockers, antacids, and cytoprotective agents. However, these treatments have several drawbacks, including osteoporosis, depression, and electrolyte imbalance. This review highlights the potential of herbal remedies in the treatment of PUD. Several plants, including Allium sativum, Aloevera, Annona squamosa, Azadirachta indica, Camellia sinensis, Carica papaya, Curcuma longa, Fenugreek, Mangifera indica, Ocimum sanctum, Piper betle, and Zingiber officinalis, have been traditionally used to treat ulcers. These plants possess anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to their therapeutic effects.