Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a significant human pathogen that infects approximately 50-70% of the global population. It colonizes the gastric epithelium, causing histological alterations that can lead to diseases ranging from chronic gastritis to gastric cancer. Recent research has focused on exploring bioactive compounds from natural sources as potential therapeutic strategies against H. pylori due to their promising biological properties. This study investigated bioactive extracts from celery seeds (Apium graveolens) to determine their potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects against H. pylori.
The extracts were obtained using various solvents through the solid–liquid extraction technique assisted by ultrasound, and both their chemical composition and biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, against a specific strain of H. pylori, were evaluated.
The results showed that the chemical composition of the extracts varied depending on the solvent polarity employed, which also influenced their biological activity. Ethanolic extracts exhibited the highest phenolic content (42.8 ± 0.9 mg GAE/g extract) and were found to be rich in luteolin and apigenin derivatives, which are known for their potent antioxidant properties. In contrast, hexane extracts contained higher levels of essential oil compounds. Regarding biological activities, the ethanolic extract demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 2 mg/mL), while aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity (90% NO production inhibition). Both ethanolic and hexane extracts exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity against H. pylori (MIC 0.005 mg/mL).
Based on these results, the ethanolic extract of celery seeds appears to be the most promising for use against H. pylori due to its chemical composition and potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities against this pathogen.
