Peptic Ulcer Sore inside the lining of the stomach, upper part of the duodenum or the esophagus is known as peptic ulcer. It occurs due to the corrosive activities of the stomach acids on the inner surface of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Excess production of stomach acid or reduced mucus secretion is responsible for this digestive disorder. Studies suggest that overgrowth of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria induces this condition. Prolonged intake of certain medications especially pain relief and osteoporosis drugs can also damage the stomach lining.
Peptic ulcer can be effectively treated with herbal remedies. Certain herbs with proven antibacterial property can accelerate recovery by suppressing growth of the H. pylori bacteria, reducing the corrosive activities of the stomach acids and repairing the damaged lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Herbal Remedies For Peptic Ulcer
Licorice
Licorice root is a time-tested herbal remedy for peptic ulcer. The efficacy of the herb in healing peptic ulcer is supported by a number of scientific studies. In most of the studies, researchers have evaluated the efficacy of glycyrrhizin, the most prominent bioactive constituent of licorice on the gastrointestinal health.Glycyrrhizin and its derivates work by killing H. pylori bacteria strains and accelerating healing of the damaged gastrointestinal mucosa.
Studies also suggest that the glycyrrhizin-free licorice fractions are also effective in treating peptic ulcer, indicating presence of potent antibacterial flavonoids in the herb.
Alpinia Galanga
The rhizome of Alpinia galanga, an herb belonging to the ginger family, is widely recommended in the traditional Asian medicines for treating peptic ulcer. The cytoprotective and antisecretory properties of the herb are responsible for its anti-ulcer effect.It works by preventing depletion of the gastric mucosa, thereby accelerating repair of the damaged gastrointestinal lining. Moreover, it also helps in reducing excess gastric acid secretion.
Azadirachta Indica (Neem)
In Ayurveda, the bark of Azadirachta indica is a widely recommended herbal remedy for peptic ulcer. The anti-ulcer property of the herb is supported by several scientific studies. The therapeutic property of Azadirachta indica is primarily attributed to a phenolic glycoside.According to a study reported in the journal Life Sciences in November 2002, the anti-ulcer effect of neem bark is equivalent to that of the anti-ulcer drug ranitidine and more powerful than omeprazole. By inhibiting acid secretion and oxidative damage it helps in curing the gastric lesions.
Mikania Cordata (Bitter Vine)
Mikania cordata is an effective anti-ulcer agent. The anti-ulcer activity of the herb has been proved in several studies. In a study, published in the April 1994 edition of the journal Planta Medica, researchers have given evidence of the anti-secretory effect of the herb that helps in alleviating gastric ulcers by suppressing gastric acid production and boosting gastric mucus secretion.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, the gel-like exudate from the leaf of the aloe plant, is an excellent remedy for peptic ulcer. Various anti-ulcer components have been identified in the gel. Researchers have attributed the anti-ulcer effect of aloe gel to its anti-inflammatory, mucus-stimulatory and antioxidant activities.Lectin, a type of glycoprotein present in aloe gel, helps in reducing gastric acid secretion, thereby accelerating the healing process. Moreover, it also induces gastric mucus secretion. According to researches, the anti-ulcer effect of aloe vera is comparable to that of the drug omeprazole.
