Abstract
Background Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that has been identified as a causative agent in the development of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Current eradication therapies, based on antibiotic combination, are suffering from lack of patient compliance and primary antibiotic resistance. The traditional use and the scientific literature both report the gastroprotective role of natural extracts containing ellagitannins, suggesting an intriguing hypothesis about the potential impact on H. pylori- related gastritis. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of Castanea sativa Mill. extract standardized to contain castalagin have been previously demonstrated in human gastric epithelial cells. Aim This experimental work aimed at investigating the role of a food grade chestnut leaf extract in complex models of H. pylori infection. Methods The biological properties of chestnut leaf extract and castalagin have been validated, firstly in a novel murine gastric organoid cell model of H. pylori infection, and, secondly, in an in vivo infection model. Results Some NF-κB pathway genes, including ligands for CXCR2 and CXCR3 receptors, were found to be suppressed by both the extract and the pure compound. Furthermore, both strongly suppressed H. pylori colonisation and gastric inflammatory mediators in mice. The infiltration of immune cells, mainly neutrophils and monocytes, was also reduced. Conclusion The results of this work demonstrate the significant potential for the translation of innovative food supplements as co-adjuvants in the prevention and/or treatment of H. pylori -induced gastritis.