Beneficial effect of Burdock complex on asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori-infected subjects: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundBurdock complex (BC) constitutes of burdock (Arctium lappa), angelica (Angelica sinensis), gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon), and sesame (Sesamumindicum) oil, which are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating various disorders. This study intended to examine the anti-H.pyloriactivity of BC on AGS cell model as well as in asymptomatic H.pylori-infected subjects. Materials and MethodsAGS cell incubated with H.pylori and treated with BC to evaluate the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), cell viability (MTT) anti-adhesion activity, and inflammatory markers. In case of clinical trial, H.pylori-positive subjects (urea breath test [UBT] >10%, n=36) were enrolled and requested to intakeBC (n=19) or placebo (n=17) for 8weeks. Antioxidant capacity, total phenol, UBT, inflammatory markers were analyzed at the initial, 4th, 8th, and 10th weeks. Moreover, the endoscopic examination was carried out on baseline and 10th week. ResultsIn vitro studies showed that BC treatment significantly inhibited (P<.05) the inflammatory markers and adhesion ofH.pylorito AGS cell. However, H.pylori-infected subject ingested with BC for 8weeks significantly decreased (P<.05) the UBT value, inflammatory markers with improved antioxidant activity, and phenolic levels as compared to placebo. Also, consumption of BC considerably healed the ulcer wound. ConclusionOverall, the BC could attenuate H.pylori infection by inhibiting H.pylori adhesion and subsequent inflammatory response on the gastric epithelial cell (AGS) as well as clinically ameliorated UBT, antioxidant capacity, and alleviated inflammation to display its anti-H.pylori activity.