Enhancement of Gastric Mucosal Defense by Phytomedicine in the Context of H. pylori–Associated Ulcer Disease

Raja Singh Paulraj,1 Parthasarathi Perumal,2 Arunkumar Ramachandran,3 Anbazhagan Sathiyaseelan4 1Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA; 2Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Greensmed Labs, Chennai, TN, India; 3Multidisciplinary Research Unit, a Unit of DHR ICMR, Madras Medical College, Chennai, TN, India; 4Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of KoreaCorrespondence: Raja Singh Paulraj, Email [email protected] Anbazhagan Sathiyaseelan, Email [email protected]: Gastric ulcer disease remains a significant global health concern, with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection being a primary etiological factor. Conventional therapies are increasingly limited by antibiotic resistance, treatment failure, and adverse effects. In this context, phytomedicine has emerged as a promising complementary and alternative therapeutic approach. This review systematically discusses the key mechanisms by which phytomedicines enhance gastric mucosal defense, including antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory modulation, inhibition of urease and bacterial adhesion, suppression of virulence factors, and restoration of epithelial barrier integrity. Plant-derived bioactive compounds demonstrate multi-targeted gastroprotective effects through modulation of oxidative stress, cytokine signaling, prostaglandin synthesis, and tight junction preservation. While preclinical and limited clinical evidence support their therapeutic potential, further well-designed clinical trials and standardized phytochemical formulations are required to validate translational applicability.Keywords: antioxidant, gastric ulcer, H. pylori, inflammation, phytomedicine