COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO TREAT PEPTIC ULCER

Abstract

Peptic ulcer is considered as one of the most common disord er 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, H 2 receptor antagonists and other non - steroidal a nti - 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 h erbal 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, eth no botanical and ethno pharmaceuti cal use s . In this review an attempt ha s been made to compile some plants which may be used in treatm ent or prevention of peptic ulcers. Thi s article summarizes the antacid , anti - ulcer and gastro protective properties of the mo st commonly available medicinal plants .