Actividad bactericida de extractos acuosos de Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown contra Helicobacter pylori / Antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown against Helicobacter pylori

RESUMEN

Lippia alba (Mill) N.E. Brown es una planta medicinal conocida en Colombia como "prontoalivio" y que se emplea para el tratamiento de múltiples dolencias gastrointestinales. El aceite esencial, los extractos acuosos y alcohólicos obtenidos de la planta han mostrado poder antibacteriano, antiviral, antiparasitario y antimicótico. En el presente estudio, se determinó el efecto antibacteriano in vitro del extracto acuoso de las hojas de Lippia alba contra tres aislados de Helicobacter pylori. Se requieren estudios adicionales que permitan establecer el potencial uso clínico del extracto acuoso en combinación con los tratamientos antibióticos.

ABSTRACT

Lippia alba (Mill) N.E. Brown is a medicinal plant known in Colombia as "prontoalivio" (= fast relief). It is used for the treatment of multiple gastro-intestinal ailments. The essential oil, the aqueous and alcoholic extracts obtained from the plant have demonstrated antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antimycotic power. In the current in vitro study of the aqueous extracts from Lippia alba leaves against three isolated Helicobacter pylori cultures, it was determined that there was an antibacterial effect. There are needed additional studies that allow to establish the potential clinical use of the aqueous extracts in combination with the antibiotic treatment.