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Capsaicin Inhibits Biofilm and Its Related Functions in Helicobacter pylori
Khalid I AlHussaini1, Razique Anwer2
1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 4233-13317, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Helicobacter pylori is a globally prevalent gastric pathogen associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Its persistence within the gastric niche is strongly linked to biofilm formation, contributing to immune evasion and antibiotic therapy resistance.
Methodology:
In the present study, we investigated the antibiofilm potential of capsaicin, a natural phytochemical derived from Capsicum species, against H. pylori using experimental and computational approaches.
Results:
Capsaicin treatment significantly reduced biofilm biomass (up to 75.66 ± 4.00%), metabolic activity (up to 61.23 ± 6.88%), and cell surface hydrophobicity in a dose-dependent manner. Microscopic analyses revealed disrupted biofilm architecture and diminished extracellular polymeric substance at higher concentrations. Molecular docking analysis revealed that capsaicin interacts with target H. pylori proteins (GTP cyclohydrolase II, α-carbonic anhydrase, and urease) through stable hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. Molecular dynamics simulations further supported the stability of these complexes and demonstrated reduced structural fluctuations upon ligand binding. Free energy landscape analysis suggested ligand-induced conformational alterations in α-carbonic anhydrase, indicating possible structural effects associated with capsaicin interaction.
Conclusions:
Overall, the findings provide insight into the antibiofilm activity of capsaicin against H. pylori and highlight its potential as a natural adjunct strategy for combating biofilm-associated persistence and antimicrobial resistance.
Insights
Capsaicin effectively inhibits Helicobacter pylori biofilm formation, reducing biomass and metabolic activity. This natural compound shows promise as a strategy against persistent infections and antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori is a common cause of gastric diseases.
- Biofilm formation is key to H. pylori persistence and antibiotic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate capsaicin's antibiofilm potential against H. pylori.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of capsaicin's action.
Main Methods:
- Experimental: biofilm biomass, metabolic activity, and hydrophobicity assays.
- Computational: molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and free energy landscape analysis.
Main Results:
- Capsaicin dose-dependently reduced H. pylori biofilm biomass (up to 75.66%), metabolic activity (up to 61.23%), and hydrophobicity.
- Microscopy showed disrupted biofilm architecture and reduced extracellular polymeric substance.
- Molecular docking identified stable interactions between capsaicin and H. pylori proteins (GTP cyclohydrolase II, α-carbonic anhydrase, urease).
Conclusions:
- Capsaicin exhibits significant antibiofilm activity against H. pylori.
- The findings suggest capsaicin's potential as a natural adjunct therapy for H. pylori infections.
- Capsaicin may combat biofilm-associated persistence and antimicrobial resistance.
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