The effect of polyphenol compounds on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Objectives: Polyphenol compounds are classified as organic
compounds with phenolic units exhibiting a variety of biological
functions. This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of
polyphenol compounds (curcumin, cranberry, garlic, licorice, and broccoli)
in eradicating Helicobacter pylori. Design: Systematic review and
meta-analysis. Data sources: These include PubMed, Embase, The
Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline, Chinese National Knowledge
Infrastructure database , Chinese Scientific Journal Database , and Wan
Fang database from inception to January 2022. Study
selection: All randomized controlled trials comparing polyphenol
compounds with the placebo or used as an adjunct treatment are included in
this meta-analysis. Data synthesis: The treatment effect for
dichotomous outcomes were assessed using risk ratio, while for
continuous outcomes, mean differences (MDs) both with 95% CIs, were used.
Subgroup analyses were carried out for different treatment schemes and
polyphenol compound species.   Results: 12
trials were included in the meta-analysis. The total eradication rate of
H.pylori in the polyphenol compounds group was higher than in the
group without polyphenol compounds. Statistical significance was also
observed (RR 1.19, 95% CI:1.03 to 1.38, P=0.02). The most frequent adverse
effects of polyphenol compounds included diarrhea, headache, and vomiting.
However, there were no differences regarding side effects between the two
groups (RR 1.47, 95% CI: 0.83 to 2.58, P=0.18). In
subgroup analyses, the H.pylori eradication rate regimens with
polyphenols therapy was superior to that of regimens without polyphenols
therapy in the polyphenols versus placebo subgroup (RR 4.23, 95% CI:1.38
to 12.95, P=0.01), polyphenols plus triple therapy versus triple therapy
subgroup (RR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.22, P=0.03). Conclusion: Polyphenol
compounds can improve H.pylori eradication rates. Polyphenol compounds
plus standard triple therapy can significantly improve the eradication.
However, no evidence of a higher incidence of side effects could
be found. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022307477