As the fifth most common cancer and the third most comxnon cause of cancer deaths worldwide, gastric cancer remains a significant public health concern and an economic burden in developed and developing countries. Gastric inflammation induced by Helicobacter pylori may initiate superficial gastritis, which then progresses to atrophic gastritis, gastric epithelial dysplasia, and finally gastric cancer. The pathogenesis of AT. pylori infection is related to its virulence factors, including urease, flagella, vacuolating cytotoxin A and cytotoxin-associated gene antigen. The relevant mechanisms of H. pylori-induced inflammation include activation of nuclear factor-r,B, mitogen-acfivated protein kinase pathway, and oxidative stress. To date, therapeutic strategies and results in this infection remain undesirable. Complicated treatment issues include antibiotic resistance, adverse effects of chemical drugs, and recurrence after operation. Therefore, chemoprevention has been regarded as an important measure, and Chinese medicinal herbs have been the research hotspot. This review aimed to summarize the effects of Chinese medicinal herbs on the prevention of gastric cancer, mechanism of action and the treatment prospects, with emphasis H. pylori-induced effects.
