Gastritis is an inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa, caused by an increase in acid secretion, a decrease in bicarbonate levels, and injury to the stomach mucosa. Its manifestation can be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis is characterized by sudden onset vomiting, mostly caused by dietary indiscretion, in which case treatment is symptomatic and supportive. When the cause is drug intoxication, foreign body ingestion, or metabolic disorders, a complete diagnostic approach should be undertaken to determine the exact cause and provide the best treatment.
Regarding chronic gastritis, it is quite common in dogs, affecting about 35% of dogs investigated for chronic vomiting and 26% to 48% of asymptomatic dogs. Despite its high prevalence, an underlying cause is rarely identified. In cats, the prevalence has not yet been determined. In the absence of systemic diseases, ulcerogenic or irritating drugs, foreign bodies, parasites, or rare cases of fungal infections, gastritis is generally attributed to food intolerance, occult parasitism, reaction to bacterial antigens, or unknown pathogens. There is also a high prevalence of gastric infection by Helicobacter spp. in dogs, with this bacterium being present in about 67% to 100% of healthy dogs and 74% to 90% of dogs presenting with vomiting.
The main clinical sign of chronic gastritis is vomiting of food or vomiting with the presence of bile, in addition to reduced appetite, weight loss, melena (digested blood in feces), or hematemesis (vomiting blood). If there are concomitant dermatological and gastrointestinal signs, there is a high probability of food sensitivity. The animal may also present abdominal distension due to delayed gastric emptying caused by obstruction or defective propulsion.
Once diagnosed, the treatment of gastritis should be conducted according to the underlying cause, often being empirical. In holistic veterinary medicine, treatment is based on changes in diet, homeopathy, nutraceuticals, and herbal remedies that play a role in the control and management of gastritis. In today's article, we will address some very effective nutraceuticals and herbal remedies in the treatment and management of gastritis.
1) Espinheira Santa (Maytenus ilicifolia):
A native plant of Brazil belonging to the Celastraceae family, traditionally used to relieve indigestion and as an adjunct in the treatment of gastritis, stomach, and duodenal ulcers, as it controls stomach acidity and reflux, and protects the gastric mucosa by increasing the stomach mucus layer.
Its therapeutic properties are due to a wide variety of substances in its composition, highlighting triterpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. Among these, tannins provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing properties, while triterpenes provide antiulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Studies show that Espinheira Santa is as effective as ranitidine and cimetidine, two drugs widely used in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis, and it is also an excellent substitute for omeprazole, which, according to recent studies, is associated with the development of certain types of cancer.
2) Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus):
It is a very rare edible mushroom considered a delicacy in the East, it is widely used in TCM for its beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal system, including inflammatory states and neoplasms.
Acts improving gastric function, aiding in the repair of intestinal mucosa, toning the nervous and cognitive system, and harmonizing the psycho-neuro-organic axis. It also improves sleep quality and adaptation to stress, as well as acting in neuronal regeneration.
Studies show that Hericium erinaceus has anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and prebiotic action throughout the digestive system. Its properties are applicable from the esophagus to the intestine, supporting the development of eubiotic bacterial flora and correcting permeability imbalances caused by inflammatory states. Additionally, it neutralizes the action of pathogenic intestinal bacteria, improves the structure of intestinal villi, and makes nutrient absorption more effective. It also improves appetite.
Studies have shown that it is capable of neutralizing the action of Helicobacter pylori at the gastric level, both through the activation of the immune system against the pathogen and through direct antimicrobial action. In specific doses, it is effective in treating pre-cancerous lesions of the esophagus, in many cases improving the cellular structure of the tissue. Studies conducted with the use of Hericium in animal models have shown that the mushroom inhibited the formation of ethanol-induced ulcer lesions in about 70 to 90% of cases.
There are no contraindications reported in the scientific literature, but caution is recommended when administering to individuals with brain neoplasms due to the content of neurological growth factors.
3) Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra):
Licorice is extracted from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra shrub and has a long history of medicinal use since ancient Egypt, Greece, and Roman times, as well as in ancient China. It has several properties, acting as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, estrogenic, expectorant, and antiulcerogenic, being more commonly used in veterinary medicine for its expectorant function, as well as being applied in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Among its active principles, licorice contains saponins and flavonoids, which increase the amount of circulating prostaglandins in the body, promoting mucus secretion in the stomach and renewal of stomach cells. The mechanism of antiulcerogenic activity involves accelerating mucin secretion through increased synthesis of glycoproteins, prolonging the life of epithelial cells, and anti-pepsin activity, which protects the stomach against its own peptic secretions.
A study with 169 human patients with chronic duodenal ulcers showed that deglycyrrhizinated licorice administered orally three times a day was as effective as treatment with cimetidine. Several studies have also shown that licorice is effective in treating H. Pylori, without adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract bacterial flora.
Ideally, deglycyrrhizinated licorice should be used, as this form does not increase blood pressure. Caution should be taken in patients with hypertension, cholestatic disorders, cirrhosis, hypokalemia, or chronic renal failure, and during pregnancy. Additionally, as it increases potassium loss, it should not be administered with thiazide and loop diuretics.
4) Gamma Oryzanol: It is a nutritious phytochemical naturally occurring in crude rice bran oil (Oryza Sativa L.) at concentrations ranging from 1.5% to 3%. It can also be found in smaller amounts in barley and corn. It is a unique mixture of triterpenes, sterols, and ferulic acid esters, with excellent antioxidant properties. It is an excellent stomach wound healer, as well as being beneficial for reducing liver fat (as it increases fat oxidation), reducing muscle fatigue, and acting as a neuroprotector. It also has other functional activities, acting as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer.
Conclusion:
Gastritis treatment in pets using nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutics is a promising approach in veterinary medicine. Understanding the underlying causes of gastritis, whether related to diet, bacterial infections, or other factors, is crucial for providing the best care for our four-legged friends. By exploring the benefits of natural ingredients such as Espinheira Santa, Lion's Mane Mushroom, Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Extract, and Gamma Oryzanol, we can treat the symptoms of gastritis  and also promote the overall health of the gastrointestinal tract of animals.
However, it is important to emphasize the need for veterinary guidance when using these supplements, ensuring proper doses and considering any pre-existing health conditions of the animal.
With a holistic and individualized approach, we can help our pets find relief from gastritis and enjoy a better quality of life by offering them more natural and gentle treatment.
References
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