Anti Helicobacter pylori activity and gastrointestinal protective effects of Terminalia bellirica: Mechanistic insights from in vitro and in vivo studies

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (Combretaceae) (T. bellirica) is a longstanding medicinal plant traditionally referenced in both Indian and Tibetan medical practices. Currently, approximately 50% of the global population is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). To curb antibiotic overuse, asymptomatic patients might require alternative therapy to mitigate the intestinal side effects commonly associated with excessive antibiotic usage.

Aim of the study

Preliminary screening conducted by our team revealed that T. bellirica had excellent anti-H. pylori action in vitro. However, further research elucidating the mechanism behind T. bellirica's impact on H. pylori infection and its protective effects against related gastrointestinal diseases is yet to be explored.

Materials and methods

To assess the specific effect and underlying mechanism, we employed a comprehensive range of methodologies, including UPLC-MS/MS, in vitro and in vivo antibacterial assays, 5R 16S, molecular dynamics simulation and RT-qPCR.

Results

Phytochemical analysis revealed abundant phenolic contents in T. bellirica, including chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, corilagin, gallic acid, and ellagic acid. In vitro antibacterial evaluations demonstrated significant efficacy of T. bellirica against H. pylori, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 160 μg/mL, effectively inhibiting critical bacterial defense such as urease, adhesion and gene vacA. In vivo animal experiments showed that in addition to its anti-H. pylori effect, T. bellirica exhibited mild influence on gastric microbiota, with the composition restoring to normal levels after administration.

Conclusions

T. bellirica exerts potent anti-H. pylori activity both in vitro and in vivo, indicating its potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for managing H. pylori infections while exerting minimal impact on gastric microbial balance. Further studies are warranted to elucidate additional pathways involved and to validate its clinical applications.