The effect of simulated gastric environments on the anti-Helicobacter activity of garlic oil.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of simulated gastric conditions upon the anti-Helicobacter pylori effects of garlic oil (GO).


RESULTS
Time course viability experiments assessed the anti-H. pylori activity of GO (16 and 32 microg ml(-1)) in simulated gastric environments. Rapid anti-H. pylori action of GO was observed in artificial gastric juice. Mucus (1-5%) was strongly protective of H. pylori both alone and in the presence of GO, but its protective effect was antagonized by GO. Peptone (5-15 g l(-1)) caused a dose-dependent reduction in the anti-H. pylori activity of GO. Rapeseed oil (5.7-17 g l(-1)) greatly diminished the anti-H. pylori activity of GO. Dextrin (44 and 133 g l(-1)) exhibited direct anti-H. pylori effects and added to those of GO. Simulated meal mixtures decreased but did not eliminate the anti-H. pylori activity of 32 mug ml(-1) GO.


CONCLUSIONS
The anti-H. pylori activity of GO was noticeably affected by food materials and mucin. However, substantial activity remained under simulated gastric conditions. Further investigation of the therapeutic potential of GO against H. pylori is therefore warranted.


CONCLUSIONS
Garlic oil may be useful as an alternative treatment against H. pylori, a major cause of gastrointestinal infections in humans.
O'Gara
E A
EA
Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, School of Applied Sciences, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. E.OGara@wlv.ac.uk
Maslin
D J
DJ
Nevill
A M
AM
Hill
D J
DJ
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005502:Food; D005737:Garlic; D005750:Gastric Juice / Q000378:metabolism; D005752:Gastric Mucins / Q000378:metabolism; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013270:Stomach / Q000382:microbiology; D013997:Time Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005752:Gastric Mucins; D010938:Plant Oils