From lab to nature: Recent advancements in the journey of gastroprotective agents from medicinal chemistry to phytotherapy.

Peptic ulcer, affecting 10 % of the global population, results from imbalances in gastric juice pH and diminished mucosal defences. Key underlying factors are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori infection, undermining mucosal resistance. Traditional treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists exhibit drawbacks such as adverse effects, relapses, and drug interactions. This review extensively explores the ethnomedicinal, synthetic and pharmacological facets of various potential peptic ulcer treatments. Rigorous methodologies involving electronic databases, and chemical structure verification via 'PubChem' and 'SciFinder' enhance the review's credibility. The provided information, spanning medicinal insights to intricate pharmacological mechanisms, establishes a robust groundwork for future research and the development of plant-derived or synthetic molecules for peptic ulcers, offering a promising alternative to conventional therapies. [Display omitted] • Peptic ulcer is affecting 10 % global population, and is linked to NSAIDs use & H. pylori. • There are number of drawbacks of PPIs & H2 antagonists. • This review explores ethnomedicinal, and synthetic molecules for peptic ulcers. • Various techniques such as in-vivo, in-vitro and in-silico are crucial in newer antiulcer drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]