Flavonoids from Plukenetia volubilis with potential anti Helicobacter pylori activity

Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant global health issue, with widespread prevalence linked to conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. The effectiveness of current treatment protocols is hindered by increasing antibiotic resistance and patient compliance challenges, primarily due to lengthy regimens and side effects. In this context, research into the antimicrobial properties of Plukenetia volubilis , commonly known as sacha inchi, represents a promising area due to its rich source of bioactive compounds. However, studies specifically examining its antimicrobial activity against H. pylori are limited. This study investigated the anti- H. pylori activity of P. volubilis leaf water extract using both in vitro and in silico methods. The chemical composition of the water extract was characterized using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Electrospray Ionization and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS-MS). This analysis identified several flavonoids, including astragalin, as well as various phenolic compounds. High-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was then employed to fractionate the ethyl acetate partition obtained from the water extract of the leaves. Notably, the confirmation of flavonoids derived from kaempferol and the isolation of compounds such as astragalin, kaempferol-3,7-di-O-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside represent significant advancements in our understanding of the bioactive compounds in P. volubilis . The water infusion from P. volubilis , its butanol extract, and the isolated astragalin exhibited antibacterial activity against H. pylori strain J99 and two clinical isolates, further emphasizing their potential (e.g., minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.53, 0.59, and 0.49 μg/mL, respectively, against a clarithromycin-resistant clinical isolate). In silico analysis through molecular docking revealed that astragalin could interact with potential protein targets associated with H. pylori , adding further depth to our findings. These results highlight the bacteriostatic activity of P. volubilis and astragalin against H. pylori; however, more research is needed to fully explore and utilize the potential of these bioactive compounds in treating H. pylori infections. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany