Zingiber officinale Syrup Reduces Bacterial Load in Study Cases Infected with Helicobacter pylori in Northeast-Libya

Background: Helicobacter pylori plays a profound role in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, including gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and carcinoma. All the different lines of therapy have not shown maximal efficacy in the eradication/cure of the infection in patients. Consequently, alternative therapies including traditional medicines have been introduced both in the quest for better eradication therapies and in addressing the problem of H. pylori relapse such as Zingiberis rhizome.

Methods: The objective of this study was to test the antimicrobial activity of Z. officinale syrup against H. pylori with fifty volunteers at Health center of Omar El-Mokhtar University, El –Beyda city in Libya. 2 gm of Z. officinale syrup were drunk daily for three months, samples of blood analyzed after 3 and 6 months of treatment.

Results: From total samples examined after 3 and 6 months of treatment; level of antibody against H. pylori were decreased to be nearly up normal values at serum in most volunteers.

Conclusion: The study revealed a component within natural remedies such as ginger could be further used for prevention and treatment of H. pylori -induced gastritis in humans.