Gastroprotective Potential of Syzygium cumini and Bryophyllum pinnatum: A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Evidence, and Prospects for Combined Therapy.

Gastric ulcers are a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by damage to the gastric mucosa due to an imbalance between protective factors and aggressive factors, such as gastric acid, pepsin, oxidative stress, and inflammatory mediators. Medicinal plants have gained considerable attention as potential sources of gastroprotective agents because of their diverse phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties. Syzygium cumini and Bryophyllum pinnatum are medicinal plants traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes and possess phytochemicals associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological activities. Syzygium cumini contains bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, whereas Bryophyllum pinnatum contains flavonoids, phenolic compounds, bufadienolides, and other secondary metabolites. These constituents may contribute to gastric mucosal protection by reducing oxidative damage, modulating inflammatory responses, and supporting the maintenance of mucosal integrity. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the phytochemical profiles, traditional uses, and available pharmacological evidence related to the gastroprotective potential of both plants. It also explores the possibility of combining their extracts to investigate potential complementary or synergistic effects in experimental gastric ulcer models. However, direct evidence supporting their combined gastroprotective efficacy remains limited and requires systematic investigation. Future research should focus on extract standardization, identification of active constituents, dose optimization, safety assessment, mechanistic studies, and experimental validation. Such investigations may provide a scientific foundation for developing plant-based gastroprotective formulations and identifying promising candidates for further preclinical research.