Taxifolin and gastro-adhesive microparticles containing taxifolin promotes gastric healing in vivo, inhibits Helicobacter pylori in vitro and proton pump reversibly in silico

Treatment of gastric ulcer, traditional Chinese medicine may be a better choice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gastric ulcer (GU) is the injury of the gastric mucosa caused by the stimulation of various pathogenic factors penetrating the deep mucosal muscle layer. An increasing number of studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is highly effective in treating GU due to its multitarget, multilevel, and multi-pathway effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To review the latest research progress in the treatment of GU by TCM, including clinical and experimental studies, focusing on the target and mechanism of action of drugs and providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of GU by natural herbs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Web of Science, and CNKI) were searched using the keywords "gastric ulcer", "gastric mucosal lesion", "TCM" and or paired with "peptic ulcer" and "natural drugs" for studies published in the last fifteen years until 2023.

RESULTS

TCM, including single components of natural products, Chinese patent medicines (CPM), and TCM decoction, is expected to treat GU by regulating various mechanisms, such as redox balance, inflammatory factors, angiogenesis, gastric mucosal protective factors, intestinal flora, apoptosis, and autophagy.

CONCLUSIONS

We discussed and summarized the mechanism of TCM in the treatment of GU, which provided a sufficient basis for TCM treatment of GU.

Future Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Improved Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a recalcitrant pathogen, which can cause gastric disorders. During the past decades, polypharmacy-based regimens, such as triple and quadruple therapies have been widely used against H. pylori. However, polyantibiotic therapies can disturb the host gastric/gut microbiota and lead to antibiotic resistance. Thus, simpler but more effective approaches should be developed. Here, some recent advances in nanostructured drug delivery systems to treat H. pylori infection are summarized. Also, for the first time, a drug release paradigm is proposed to prevent H. pylori antibiotic resistance along with an IVIVC model in order to connect the drug release profile with a reduction in bacterial colony counts. Then, local delivery systems including mucoadhesive, mucopenetrating, and cytoadhesive nanobiomaterials are discussed in the battle against H. pylori infection. Afterward, engineered delivery platforms including polymer-coated nanoemulsions and polymer-coated nanoliposomes are poposed. These bioinspired platforms can contain an antimicrobial agent enclosed within smart multifunctional nanoformulations. These bioplatforms can prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, as well as specifically killing H. pylori with no or only slight negative effects on the host gastrointestinal microbiota. Finally, the essential checkpoints that should be passed to confirm the potential effectiveness of anti-H. pylori nanosystems are discussed.

Effects of taxifolin on aspirin-induced gastric damage in rats: macroscopic and biochemical evaluation

Taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) is a flavanonol isolated from various plants and has antioxidant effects. The aim of our study was to macroscopically and biochemically investigate the effects of taxifolin on aspirin-induced oxidative gastric damage in rats and to evaluate them by comparison with those of famotidine. Rats were divided into four drug administration groups: a healthy control group, an aspirin-only group (ASG), a taxifolin + aspirin group (TASG), and a famotidine + aspirin group (FASG). The results revealed that in light of the results that we obtained, 50 mg/kg taxifolin had anti-ulcer effects. At this dose, taxifolin was able to bring COX-1 activities to a level close to those seen in healthy rats with appropriate macroscopic, oxidant/antioxidant, and biochemical parameters. Based on these results, it can be said that taxifolin may be successfully used as a more potent alternative to famotidine, which is the currently accepted treatment for aspirin-induced ulcers.

Antiulcer mechanisms of the hydroalcoholic extract from Aztec marigolds' medicinal and edible flowers (Tagetes erecta L.)

The antiulcer mechanisms of the dry extract of T. erecta flowers (DETe) were studied here. The acute ulcers induced by acidified ethanol or indomethacin were reproduced in mice pretreated with DETe (3 - 300 mg/kg). The antiulcer activity of DETe was also verified in mice pretreated with NEM, L-NAME, indomethacin, or yohimbine. The antisecretory effect of DETe was verified in rats, and its anti-Helicobacter pylori activity was determined in vitro. DETe (300 mg/kg, p.o) reduced the ethanol- or indomethacin-induced ulcer by 49 and 93%, respectively. The pre-treatment with L-NAME, NEM or yohimbine abolished the gastroprotective effect of DETe. However, DETe did not change the volume, acidity, or peptic activity in rats and did not affect H. pylori. This study expands knowledge about the antiulcerogenic potential of DETe, evidencing the role of nitric oxide, non-protein sulfhydryl groups, α2 adrenergic receptors, and prostaglandins, but not antisecretory or anti-H. pylori properties.

Pharmacological targeting of gastric mucosal barrier with traditional Chinese medications for repairing gastric mucosal injury

Introduction: The gastric mucosa (GM) is the first barrier and vital interface in the stomach that protects the host from hydrochloric acid in gastric juice and defends against exogenous insults to gastric tissues. The use of traditional Chinese medications (TCMs) for the treatment of gastric mucosal injury (GMI) has long-standing history and a good curative effect. Whereas there are poor overall reports on the intrinsic mechanisms of these TCM preparations that pharmacology uses to protect body from GMI, which is crucial to treating this disease. These existing reviews have deficiencies that limit the clinical application and development of both customary prescriptions and new drugs. Methods: Further basic and translational studies must be done to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms of influence of these TCM preparations. Moreover, well-designed and well-conducted experiences and clinical trials are necessary to ascertain the efficacy and mechanisms of these agents. Therefore, this paper presents a focused overview of currently published literature to assess how TCMs action that facilitates the cures for GMI. It offers a whole train of current state of pharmacological evidence, identifies the pharmacological mechanisms of TCMs on GM, and highlights that remarkable capacity of TCMs to restore GM after damage. Results: These TCMs preparations promote the repair of multicomponent targets such as the gastric mucus, epithelial layer, blood flow (GMBF) and lamina propria barrier. Summary: Overall, this study has summarized the essential regulatory mechanisms and pharmacological efficacy of TCMs on new and productive therapeutic targets. Discussion: This review provides an avenue for studying various drugs with potentially promising effects on mucosal integrity, as well as subsequent pharmacological studies, clinical applications, and new drug development.

An insight into novel therapeutic potentials of taxifolin

Taxifolin is a flavonoid compound, originally isolated from the bark of Douglas fir trees, which is often found in foods such as onions and olive oil, and is also used in commercial preparations, and has attracted the interest of nutritionists and medicinal chemists due to its broad range of health-promoting effects. It is a powerful antioxidant with excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and other pharmacological activities. This review focuses on the breakthroughs in taxifolin for the treatment of diseases from 2019 to 2022 according to various systems of the human body, such as the nervous system, immune system, and digestive system, and on the basis of this review, we summarize the problems of current research and try to suggest solutions and future research directions.

The Potential of Alternative Therapies and Vaccine Candidates against Helicobacter pylori

Alternative therapies and vaccination are essential to combat the emergence of multidrug-resistant Helicobacter pylori and to prevent the development of gastroduodenal diseases. This review aimed to systematically review recent studies on alternative therapies, i.e., probiotics, nanoparticles, and natural products from plants, as well as recent progress in H. pylori vaccines at the preclinical stage. Articles published from January 2018 to August 2022 were systematically searched using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline. After the screening process, 45 articles were eligible for inclusion in this review. Probiotics (n = 9 studies) and natural products from plants (n = 28 studies) were observed to inhibit the growth of H. pylori, improve immune response, reduce inflammation, and reduce the pathogenic effects of H. pylori virulence factors. Natural products from plants also showed anti-biofilm activity against H. pylori. However, clinical trials of natural products from plants and probiotics are still lacking. A paucity of data assessing the nanoparticle activity of N-acylhomoserine lactonase-stabilized silver against H. pylori was observed. Nonetheless, one nanoparticle study showed anti-biofilm activity against H. pylori. Promising results of H. pylori vaccine candidates (n = 7) were observed at preclinical stage, including elicitation of a humoral and mucosal immune response. Furthermore, the application of new vaccine technology including multi-epitope and vector-based vaccines using bacteria was investigated at the preclinical stage. Taken together, probiotics, natural products from plants, and nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against H. pylori. New vaccine technology shows promising results against H. pylori.

New Perspectives of Taxifolin in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), and Huntington's disease (HD) are characterized by cognitive and motor dysfunctions and neurodegeneration. These diseases have become more severe over time and cannot be cured currently. Until now, most treatments for these diseases are only used to relieve the symptoms. Taxifolin (TAX), 3,5,7,3,4-pentahydroxy flavanone, also named dihydroquercetin, is a compound derived primarily from Douglas fir and Larix gemelini. TAX has been confirmed to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, anti-virus, and regulation of oxidative stress effects. In the central nervous system, TAX has been demonstrated to inhibit Aβ fibril formation, protect neurons and improve cerebral blood flow, cognitive ability, and dyskinesia. At present, TAX is only applied as a health additive in clinical practice. This review aimed to summarize the application of TAX in neurodegenerative diseases and the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms, such as suppressing inflammation, attenuating oxidative stress, preventing Aβ protein formation, maintaining dopamine levels, and thus reducing neuronal loss.

Phytochemicals: A Promising Weapon in the Arsenal against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

The extensive usage of antibiotics and the rapid emergence of antimicrobial-resistant microbes (AMR) are becoming important global public health issues. Many solutions to these problems have been proposed, including developing alternative compounds with antimicrobial activities, managing existing antimicrobials, and rapidly detecting AMR pathogens. Among all of them, employing alternative compounds such as phytochemicals alone or in combination with other antibacterial agents appears to be both an effective and safe strategy for battling against these pathogens. The present review summarizes the scientific evidence on the biochemical, pharmacological, and clinical aspects of phytochemicals used to treat microbial pathogenesis. A wide range of commercial products are currently available on the market. Their well-documented clinical efficacy suggests that phytomedicines are valuable sources of new types of antimicrobial agents for future use. Innovative approaches and methodologies for identifying plant-derived products effective against AMR are also proposed in this review.