Clinical-pharmacological aspects of the choice of phytocomponents for the regulation of the gastrointestinal function

Abstract

The presentations of dyspepsia include a range of clinical symptoms, each of which has different mechanisms of development, and, therefore, requires different approaches to the correction. In this context, the combination preparations containing components of natural origin with polymodal action on the gastrointestinal tract deserve special attention. Combination of synergistic components: highly bioavailable curcumin and prebiotic fibers; artichoke leaf extract and chamomile flower extract provide simultaneous effects on three key digestive organs: stomach, pancreas and liver. Curcumin has an anti-inflammatory effect, helps to normalize acidity and restore microflora; epithelialization of ulcers; normalization of the gallbladder function; elimination of toxins. It inhibits the processes of primary tumour formation and prevents the development of metastatic processes in gastrointestinal cancer. Pharmaceutical technologies using cyclodextrin as an excipient increase curcumin’s water solubility, dispersibility and absorption, which has been confirmed in several comparative bioavailability studies in healthy volunteers. Chamomile flower extract has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antiulcer, wound healing and astringent effects. Chamomile is rich in slimy substances that envelop and protect the inflamed mucous membrane, including the stomach, from irritation with hydrochloric acid, bile components, food, and drugs. Mucous substances also have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve digestion. The artichoke facilitates the outflow of bile, affects the secretion of gastric glands, pancreas, increases the enzymatic activity of gastric juice, enhances intestinal motility during its atony, and has a hepatoprotective effect. As can be seen from the above, a combination of these synergistic components can be used in patients with chronic diseases, functional disorders as part of combination therapy, as well as for the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases in healthy people.

Keywords

• curcumin
• cyclodextrin
• artichoke leaf extract
• chamomile flower extract
• dyspepsia