Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by Lactobacillus rhamnosus L08 in combination with Curcuma longa extracts

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance due to antibiotics is becoming increasingly prevalent, and the search for healthy alternatives to drugs has become a popular research topic. Curcuma longa and Lactobacillus rhamnosus are not only inhibitory to H. pylori but also have good compatibility. It was found that acid-tolerant L. rhamnosus had a significant coaggregation effect on H. pylori, but the inhibitory effect was weak. The polyphenol or flavonoid content of Curcuma extract was significantly correlated with the antimicrobial effect, but the inhibition time would be shortened due to its decomposition or destabilization in the digestive system. Both were able to synergistically inhibit H. pylori adhesion and expression of certain genes (SabA, UreE, UreI, and UreG), with no significant synergistic effect in inhibiting urease. The combination of Curcuma extract with L. rhamnosus enhanced the inhibitory effect, solved the problem of drug resistance, and improved the short duration of inhibition of Curcuma extract. This study aimed to combine the antimicrobial effect of Curcuma extract with the function of L. rhamnosus in regulating the gastrointestinal flora and to investigate the synergistic inhibitory effect of the two on H. pylori. The findings provide a theoretical basis for subsequent cellular, animal, or clinical experiments.