New and simple methylene blue colorimetric assay for glycyrrhizin in pharmaceuticals

Phytotherapeutic modalities for the management of Helicobacter pylori associated peptic ulcer

Due to an imbalance between aggressive factors known as hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsin, leukotrienes, refluxed bile, defensive factors and reactive oxygen species, the peptic ulcer is formed in the stomach and duodenum which mostly include the function of prostaglandins, mucus bicarbonate barrier, enzymatic antioxidants, and some growth factors. H. pylori infection remained one of the considerable causes of peptic ulcer as it caused hypochlorhydria and struck off the defense mechanism of the stomach. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and stress are the most prevailing causes of peptic ulcer disease. Lack of physical exercise, little rest and due to poor leisure cause the peptic ulcer disease. Candies, chocolate, coffee, cigarettes, stress, and alcohol are the cause of peptic ulceration and suppression of acid in the stomach due to the utilization of antacid medication. Most of the ancient medical practices in the traditional alternative medicinal system include Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Chinese customary medicine, African conventional medicine, and Native American medicine. Without a hostile effect, the rate of curing the disease is the significance of natural products research. Peptic ulcer disease is the widespread nature of peptic ulcer in all class of population, which mostly may be due to rapidly changing the food habits and stress, causing the imbalance between gastric offensive and defensive factors. Curcuma longa is the most effective plant for the cure of peptic ulcer. Curcuma longa has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Curcuma longa remarkably reduces the level of inflammatory mediator (IL1) and (TNF) which was increased during the formation of an ulcer. In the rhizome of Curcuma longa, yellow pigment is present and widely used for the treatment of ulcer and decrease the inflammatory response. Symptoms include abdominal pain after taking a meal, nausea, vomiting, Anorexia and lose weight.

The plant kingdom as a source of anti-ulcer remedies

Phytogenic agents have traditionally been used by herbalists and indigenous healers for the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcer. This article reviews the anti-acid/anti-peptic, gastro-protective and/or anti-ulcer properties of the most commonly employed herbal medicines and their identified active constituents. Botanical compounds with anti-ulcer activity include flavonoids (i.e. quercetin, naringin, silymarin, anthocyanosides, sophoradin derivatives) saponins (i.e. from Panax japonicus and Kochia scoparia), tannins (i.e. from Linderae umbellatae), gums and mucilages (i.e. gum guar and myrrh). Among herbal drugs, liquorice, aloe gel and capsicum (chilli) have been used extensively and their clinical efficacy documented. Also, ethnomedical systems employ several plant extracts for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Despite progress in conventional chemistry and pharmacology in producing effective drugs, the plant kingdom might provide a useful source of new anti-ulcer compounds for development as pharmaceutical entities or, alternatively, as simple dietary adjuncts to existing therapies.

The protective effect of liquorice components and their derivatives against gastric ulcer induced by aspirin in rats

We have examined the protective effect of liquorice or its derivatives against gastric ulcer induced by aspirin. A granular mixture of aspirin alone and coated with liquorice or its derivatives including the deglycyrrhized form, a high glycyrrhized form, carbenoxolone, and enoxolone were studied. Aspirin coated with liquorice reduced the number and size of ulcers, reducing the ulcer index from 1.5 +/- 0.12 to 0.5 +/- 0.12 and the incidence from 96% to 46%. Coating with derivatives was less effective (ulcer index, 0.70-0.94; incidence 62-76%).