Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) represents a prevalent issue within gastrointestinal healthcare, characterized by painful lesions within the stomach or duodenum. Typically attributed to Helicobacter pylori infections or prolonged NSAID use, PUD presents significant challenges in treatment, particularly concerning side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant H. pylori strains associated with traditional therapeutics like H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors.

In recent years, attention has shifted towards natural compounds with inherent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as Tamarix gallica, E. tournefortii, and Fridericia chica, which have shown promising gastroprotective potential. Despite these advancements, a thorough understanding of these compounds' mechanisms and efficacy remains essential for their integration into therapeutic protocols.

This Research Topic is dedicated to exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds for the prevention and treatment of PUD. It aims not only to uncover their clinical efficacy but also to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for their gastroprotective properties. In doing so, the research intends to provide a basis for evidence-based adoption of these compounds as viable alternatives or adjuncts to conventional therapies in managing PUD and its complications.

By acknowledging current limitations in peptic ulcer disease (PUD) management, this topic invites comprehensive and innovative research on both well-established and emerging natural products—not limited to medicinal plants—and their therapeutic potential. We encourage submissions that explore diverse aspects of natural compounds in the context of PUD, including but not limited to:

• Phytochemistry and pharmacology of natural compounds with anti-ulcer activity
• Mechanistic insights into how natural products modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, mucus secretion, and Helicobacter pylori inhibition
• In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrating gastroprotective efficacy via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms
• Ethnobotanical documentation of traditional remedies used for PUD
• Nanotechnology and advanced formulation strategies to enhance the bioavailability of natural products
• Innovations in drug delivery systems for plant- and microbe-based therapies
• Synergistic effects of herbal combinations or interactions with conventional drugs
• Clinical trials and meta-analyses evaluating efficacy and safety of natural therapies
• Toxicity and safety profiling of natural compounds for ulcer treatment
• Computational approaches (e.g., molecular docking and in silico modeling) for identifying and optimizing lead anti-ulcer compounds

Submissions can take the form of Original Research, Reviews, Short Reports, and Systematic reviews to build a comprehensive understanding of these promising natural interventions

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Natural compounds in peptic ulcer treatment: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Clinical prospects