Extra virgin olive oil inhibits growth and the development of mice gastric mucosa lesions .

infection is widespread worldwide, with more than a half of the world population infected. antibiotic-resistant strains and non-compliance to therapy are the major causes of eradication failure. The search for new therapies based on plant extracts is a scientific interest field. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), hydroxytyrosol (HT), and oleuropein (Olp) against two strains and the effect of the oral administration of EVOO on the gastric mucosa of BALB/c mice infected with this microorganism. The broth microdilution method assayed the antibacterial activity of EVOO, HT, and Olp against strains. For studies, male BALB/c mice were infected orally with an suspension every 72 h. Four groups were used: (1) Control, (2) -infected (HP), (3) EVOO, and (4) HP + EVOO. Mice were sacrificed at 7, 15, and 30 days. The stomachs were removed and observed under a microscope. Scoring of the degree of erosion was determined. Samples were processed by histological techniques for light microscopy. Macroscopic analysis showed that the presence of small erosions increased, both in number and size, in the infected group. Animals infected and treated with EVOO exhibited the presence of fewer erosions, which decreased in number as the treatment progressed. The mucosa of the control and EVOO groups showed normal histological characteristics at the three times studied. The mucosa of animals infected with showed disruptions of the lining epithelium, damage to gastric glands, and vasodilation. The mucosa of animals infected with and treated with EVOO showed morphological characteristics similar to those of normal and EVOO mucosa. For the first time, the current study showed the effect and of EVOO and combined administration of HT and Olp against using an animal model. Future studies are needed to establish the mechanism of EVOO's action at the gastric mucosa level to propose this product as a natural antimicrobial agent for the treatment of gastric infections.