In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of aqueous extract from Persian Oak testa

Abstract

ObjectiveGrowing problem of antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori, as a common cause of chronic gastritis and even stomach cancer, demands searching for novel candidates of herbal sources. This study is aimed at assessing the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract obtained from Quercus brantii var. persica seed coat (Testa) on H. pylori isolated from gastric biopsy specimens. MethodsSuch specimens were collected from 100 patients presenting with endoscopic gastroduodenal findings. Testa extracts were prepared from Persian Oak forests in the province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, IRAN. H. pylori isolates were obtained by a series of standard bacteriology tests and cell culture, then were confirmed by PCR. The activity of testa extracts towards 25 H. pylori isolates was assessed by well diffusion method, microdilution assay, and a disk diffusion assay in vitro. Results were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA analysis. ResultsAqueous extract of testa demonstrated an antimicrobial activity with zone diameters of inhibition ranged from 0 mm to 40 mm. Its inhibitory activity increased simultaneously with increasing extract concentration. The lowest MIC and MBC were both recorded as 2 µg/mL. Anti-H. pylori activity of testa extract was approximately close to tetracycline and metronidazole and less than amoxicillin. A potent extract of testa possessed significant inhibitory activity (P < 0.05). ConclusionTesta extract is suggested as a natural therapeutic source against the gastric H. pylori infection. However, evaluating the in vivo activity of this extract is necessary too.