COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO TREAT PEPTIC ULCER

Abstract

Peptic ulcer is considered as one of the most common disorder among gastrointestinal ailments all over the world which is mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, abundant use of NSAIDs, excessive alcohol intake and stress etc. Treatment of peptic ulcer with synthetic drugs such as proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reported to have adverse effects, relapses and drug interactions. Medicinal plants containing active phyto-constituents have been proven as useful source in the prevention and treatment of various diseases including gastrointestinal problems. Demands of herbal medicines are increasing in both developed and developing countries due to growing recognition of natural plants having lesser or no side effects, relatively less toxic, economical and easily available in surrounding place. Therefore, medicinal plants stand out as being exceptional for its ethnic, ethno botanical and ethno pharmaceutical uses. In this review an attempt has been made to compile some plants which may be used in treatment or prevention of peptic ulcers. This article summarizes the antacid, anti-ulcer and gastro protective properties of the most commonly available medicinal plants.