GASTROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF LOCALLY FORMULATED NIGERIAN HERBAL SUPPLEMENT FROM 5 PLANTS

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as peptic and duodenal ulcers are ranked high amongst several chronic and relapsing disorders. H. pylori urease activity is linked to the aetiology of over 75% of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This study explores the inhibitory role of PHS, a Nigerian polyherbal nutraceutical, against H⁺/K⁺ Atpase and urease enzyme activity using in vitro and in silico models. Using ELISA methods, the inhibitory activity of PHS against H⁺/K⁺ Atpase and urease enzyme was determined. Also, the most active compounds against Helicobacter pylori urease enzyme were identified via molecular docking. For the H⁺/K⁺ Atpase inhibition, the IC₅₀ obtained were 100 µg/mL and 30.2 µg/mL for PHS and omeprazole respectively. While for the urease inhibition, IC₅₀ obtained were 130.2 µg/mL and 40.5 µg/mL for PHS and Thiourease (a positive control) respectively. Docking analysis against Helicobacter pylori urease showed that Cyclotriacontane displayed the highest affinity (−9.1 kcal/mol), followed by β-amyrin and 9,19-cyclolanost-24-en-3-ol (−8.6 kcal/mol). Other sterol and triterpenoid compounds demonstrated favourable docking scores. Overall, these results suggest that the screened natural compounds have strong interaction potential with the urease active site. These preliminary in vitro and in silico results provide a basis for further investigations into its in vivo and possible translational potentials.