Now researchers are finding that this plant may be able to help with gastric ulcers. (1)
Gastric ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria that penetrate the stomach lining and cause inflammation and damage to the mucous membrane. H. pylori can also cause stomach cancer when left untreated for long periods.
A study published in Universidade Federal does Espírito Santo looked at how P. Americana (Avocado) leaf extract might help protect against H. pylori infection and prevent further damage from occurring in the stomach lining. The researchers found that P. Americana leaf extracts had anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially promote the healing of gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria.
This article will examine the mechanisms through which P. Americana can prevent the development of stomach ulcers. The research show promise for future research into the development of alternative treatments for gastrointestinal disorders.
What are Gastric Ulcers?
Gastric ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are sores that develop in the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). They can be painful and cause serious complications if not treated. (2)
Gastric ulcers develop when aggressive substances called acid and pepsin — which help digest food — irritate and damage the cells lining your stomach. The result is an open sore called an ulcer.
Gastric ulcers are most commonly associated with heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid backing up into your esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another major cause of gastric ulcers.
Persea americana Mill as an Alternative Treatment for Gastric Ulcers
Though native to Mexico, Guatemala, and the Antilles, the plant genus Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae) has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, expanding its range to other tropical locations with relative ease. Its fruit, which is more generally known as avocado, has an olive-green rind and a thick, pale yellow flesh that is high in healthy fats and highly prized for its pleasant taste and texture.
Studies on animals demonstrate that an extract of their leaves can alleviate stomach ulcers by decreasing gastric acid production. As part of their pathological process, gastric ulcers are characterized by an overactive inflammatory response that prompts defense cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines and reactive species, which in turn cause oxidative stress and can contribute to the development of gastric cancer.
The purpose of this research was to examine the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of P. americana leaf hydroalcoholic extract (LCE), as well as hexanoic (LHP) and ethyl acetate (LEAP) fractions.
Results of the Study
According to the findings of the study, the leaves of P. Americana can block the pathways that are involved in the creation of stomach ulcers. These samples hold a lot of potential for additional research that might lead to the creation of alternative therapies for the treatment of gastrointestinal illnesses.
