Combating Helicobacter pylori infections with mucoadhesive nanoparticles loaded with Garcinia mangostana extract

Aim: To combat the resistance of Helicobacter pylori to antibiotics through the use of Garcinia mangostana extract (GME) in the form that can be localized at stomach mucosa. Materials & methods: GME and its major active component, α-mangostin, are encapsulated into the moderately acid stable mucoadhesive nanocarriers, and tested for anti-H. pylori and antiadhesion activities in vitro and their ability to eradicate H. pylori in infected mice. Results: The two in vitro activities are observed and are enhanced when the materials are encapsulated into nanocarriers. Preliminary in vivo tests revealed the ability to combat H. pylori in mice following oral administration of the encapsulated GME, but not the unencapsulated GME. Conclusion: Nanoencapsulated GME is a potential anti-H. pylori agent. Original submitted 10 August 2012; Revised submitted 9 December 2012; Published online 3 June 2013