A Comprehensive Review of Experimental Models, Evaluation Parameters, And Natural-Synthetic Therapeutics for Peptic Ulcer Treatment

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a gastrointestinal disorder resulting from an imbalance between aggressive factors such as gastric acid and pepsin, and the protective mechanisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Common causes include Helicobacter pylori infection, excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol intake, smoking, and dietary imbalances. Conventional therapeutic approaches, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists, have proven effective but are often associated with adverse effects, drug interactions, and high recurrence rates, particularly with long-term use. This review provides a comprehensive examination of various experimental models— in vivo —employed in the evaluation of anti-ulcer agents. These models are essential for understanding the mechanisms of ulcer formation and assessing the therapeutic potential of new compounds. Data were gathered through an extensive literature search using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. In addition to synthetic drug candidates, numerous plant-derived extracts and formulations have shown promising results in ulcer prevention and healing, supported by various pharmacological studies. These agents often exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytoprotective, and mucosal defence-enhancing properties. This review aims to consolidate findings from current literature on experimental ulcer models and bioactive agents, offering insights to support the future development of safer, more effective anti-ulcer therapies.