Eremomastax speciosa (Hochst.) Cufod. (Acanthaceae) leaves aqueous extract eradicates Helicobacter pylori infection in mice

Context: Conventional treatments against Helicobacter pylori (the main cause of gastric ulcers) display some limitations because of resistance to antibiotics. Thus, elaboration of alternative treatments that are effective and with lower toxicity, remains a major challenge. Therefore, Eremomastax speciosa a plant with well-established antiulcer properties has been evaluated for its potential anti-H. pylori action. Aims: To investigate the possible anti-Helicobacter pylori properties of the aqueous extract of Eremomastax speciosa leaves. Methods: The air-dried leaves were powdered and infused using boiled distilled water. H. pylori isolates were obtained from gastric biopsies collected in the Civil hospital, Karachi. In vitro susceptibility tests against H. pylori were performed using microplate AlamarBlue® assay. MIC and MBC were then determined. A rapid in vivo H. pylori eradication test was performed on mice. Results: E. speciosa was found to be active against all H. pylori isolates with MIC at 8 mg/mL, and MBC above 32 mg/mL, indicating this extract as bacteriostatic. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed major alterations in H. pylori morphology after exposure to E. speciosa at active doses. H. pylori colonization in mice was eradicated in a dose-dependent manner by E. speciosa with significant differences at the doses of 200, and 400 mg/kg. Conclusions: These results suggest that aqueous extract of E. speciosa may contain some potent compounds, which could be used alone or in combination with other antibiotics against H. pylori infection, and further reinforce the therapeutic use of this medicinal plant for the management of gastric ulcers.