| Sumario: | Objective: To conduct a review of the current scientific literature on the efficacy of herbs in the treatment and eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in the gastric mucosa. Methods: Research for scientific articles was obtained primarily through Medline and Google Scholar. A total of 53 scientific articles were examined, the vast majority of which were in vitro studies. Only one double blind randomised controlled study was identified involving the use of cranberry. Two controlled trials using garlic were also included. Results: Helicobacter pylori infection of the gastric mucosa is prevalent throughout the world, especially in countries of poor socioeconomic background. Infection has been proven to be a risk factor for the development of peptic ulcers, gastritis and in some cases adenocarcinoma or lymphoma. Eradication of the bacterial infection and treatment of symptoms due to infection are primarily treated with two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor however bacterial resistance to antibiotic therapy is now becoming a problem. A safe and cheap alternative treatment for this widespread infection is being sought. Current research shows that the use of herbs and herbal extracts for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection of the gastric mucosa has great potential. Unfortunately the majority of studies are in vitro with minimal in vivo studies currently being conducted. The most promising and most researched herbs for the treatment of H. pylori infection include cranberry and garlic. Garlic demonstrates strong antibacterial and antiadhesive actions against H. pylori and appears to have a synergistic action when used in conjunction with current orthodox antibiotic therapy. Cranberry inhibits H. pylori infection by preventing adhesion of the bacteria to the gastric mucosa and by acting as a bacteriostatic. Synergism between cranberry and antibiotic therapy with a proton pump inhibitor has been demonstrated. Licorice, green tea, cinnamon, chilli and numerous culinary herbs also demonstrate significant antibacterial or antiadhesive actions. Alcoholic extracts of herbs for the treatment of H. pylori infection appear to be most effective. With regard to herbal treatment, issues that need to be resolved with in vivo studies are herb extraction method, dosage, method of administration and length of time of treatment.
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