Gastric Ulcer Mechanism, Protection and Treatment from Natural Sources

Gastric acid secretions are main cause for formation of gastric ulcers that are attributed by Helicobacter pylori infection and extensive use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These contributors facilitate the initiation of cellular and molecular signalling pathways in our body that give rise to formation of gastric ulcer. Generally, gastric ulcer results in minute to deep invading of gastric mucosal linings which may produce harmful symptoms in our body. Non-infectious gastric ulcers are another problem related with gastro-intestinal disorders that mainly caused because of poor daily activities including alcohol consumption, oxidative stress, mental stress and low consumption in healthy food intake. Stress plays a crucial role in the formation gastric ulceration due to its effect on the generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and RNS (reactive nitrogen species).Gastric cancer is found common in severe ulceration and gastric lesions. This type of cancer mainly attributed by untreated gastric ulcer and other related infected and inflammatory conditions. They all increase the worldwide incidence of morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, a novel approach towards research and development has been must to categorise these complications. Natural agents with adaptogenic and antioxidant properties are useful in this situation. Some of the herbal extracts have been used from ancient times due to their cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. New approaches are still on progress to obtain a potential phytopharmaceutical and natural agent to treat these disorders. It has been reported anti-secretory effects of herbal preparations give rise to protective action in the cure of gastric ulcers. We try to explain mechanisms involve in this complication and important pharmacological activity of natural extracts to counter act these symptoms in our review.