Eucalyptus Boost For Ulcer Treatment.

Besides okro, onions and cabbage,
Eucalyptus is another plant that has
attracted the interest of researchers.
Scientists have unveiled its potentials in
the management of gastric, duodenal and
peptic ulcers.
NIGERIAN and American researchers have
enlisted Eucalyptus species in the battle with
stomach ulcers. Helicobacter pylori (H.
pylori) is the bacteria responsible for most
ulcers and many cases of stomach
inflammation (chronic gastritis). The
bacteria can weaken the protective coating
of the stomach, allowing digestive juices to
irritate the sensitive stomach lining.
The results of the work by researchers from
the Department of Pharmaceutical
Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Oyo
State; and Department of Pharmacy Practice,
College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at
Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of
America (U.S.A.) concluded “that Eucalyptus
camaldulensis and Eucalyptus torelliana may
present new therapeutic alternative for the
treatment of gastrointestinal diseases
associated with Helicobacter pylori
infections, such as gastric and duodenal
ulcers.”
The study published in Pharmaceutical
Biology is titled “In vitro susceptibility of
Helicobacter pylori to extracts of Eucalyptus
camaldulensis and Eucalyptus torelliana.”
Eucalyptus camadulensis is commonly called
River Red Gum. Another study published in
lntemational Iournal of Pharmacology
investigated the antibacterial and gastro-
protective properties of crude extracts of
Eucalyptus torelliana.
Until now, Eucalyptus has been reported to
relieve catarrh and feverish condition. The
essential oil from the leaves is applied or
rubbed over the chest and throat. The
leaves are also chewed for bad breath. The
poultice of the leaves is applied over ulcers
and wounds.
According to the study, the in vitro
susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to
extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and
Eucalyptus torelliana, Nigerian medicinal
plants, was investigated in six strains of H.
pylori, namely, ATCC 4504, ATCC 47619, A2,
TI8984, 019A, and A6. The susceptibility of
these strains was determined using a
standardised agar dilution method (National
Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards
guidelines) with Mueller–Hinton agar,
supplemented with defibrinated horse
blood. The minimum inhibitory
concentrations of the crude extracts against
all the tested strains ranged from 12.5 to
400 ?g/mL.
Phytochemical screening of the plant
extracts revealed the presence of tannins,
saponins, and cardenolides. The anti-H.
pylori activities demonstrated by these
plants may be attributed to their chemical
constituents, and explain their reported
traditional uses, as well as their
gastroprotective properties as
demonstrated previously in experimental
animals. The results of this work suggest
that, in accordance with their traditional
medical use in Nigeria, E. camaldalensis and
E. torelliana have some therapeutic potential
against H. pylori, and thus are of interest for
the treatment of H. pylori infections.
The researchers wrote: “The eradication of
H. pylori has proved difficult in parts of
Africa, including Nigeria, especially since
effective drugs are not available or
resistance has developed. Treatment of H.
pylori infection usually involves the
combination of two or more antibiotics and
a proton-pump inhibitor. However, the
organism has been found to develop
resistance to these antibiotics, leading to
relapse and the development of
complications from infections. Resistance
to metronidazole, the most commonly used
antimicrobial agent, has been reported
worldwide. It is higher in developing
countries and could reach 80 to 90 per cent
in Africa. The eradication of H. pylori in
patients with pre-existing ulcer cures the
ulcer disease and can prevent recurrence.
“The activity demonstrated by crude
extracts of Nigerian medicinal plants
justifies their use in folklore medicine in the
treatment of wounds and ulcers. This
indicates that the plants may be used in the
treatment of symptomatic and
asymptomatic forms of H. pylori infections.
“The anti-H. pylori properties of these plants
may be attributed to the presence of
tannins and saponins, which are known to
possess antimicrobial potential and offer
protection against ulcers. Eucalyptus species
have been reported to contain a large
variety of compounds such as triterpenoid
saponins and tannins that are effective in
the treatment of peptic ulcers. Essential oils
obtained from these plants have been
reported to have antimicrobial activity.
“The results of the present study indicate
that E. camaldulensis and E. torelliana may
present new therapeutic alternative for the
treatment of gastrointestinal diseases
associated with H. pylori infections, such as
gastric and duodenal ulcers. The data
further support the use of these two plants
in Nigerian traditional medicine. Further
phytochemical studies are in progress to
isolate specific compounds in the plants
responsible for the anti-H. pylori activity.”
The researchers added: “Since drugs for the
eradication of H. pylori are not always
effective, and antibiotic resistance is
becoming a problem worldwide, there is a
need to investigate potential new sources
of drugs that can eradicate H. pylori, treat
existing cases, and prevent recurrence and
the development of complications.
“In Nigeria, plants of the genus Eucalyptus
(Myrtaceae), including Eucalyptus
camaldulensis Dehnh. and Eucalytus
torelliana F. Muell., are used to treat
gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, a
decoction of the leaves is reported to be a
remedy for sore throat and other bacterial
infections of the respiratory and urinary
tracts. The poultice of the leaves is applied
over wounds and ulcers. The essential oils
of the leaves have been used in the
treatment of lung diseases and were stated
to have anti-tubercular effect. In animal
models, extracts of the leaves of E.
camaldulensis and E. torelliana are reported
to decrease gastric acid production and
thus appear useful for the treatment of
gastric ulcers.”