Lemon gum blankets esophageal mucosa and promotes therapeutic effects in experimental models of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Grasps for prevention and treatment.

This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of lemon gum (LG), an arabinogalactan biopolymer from Citrus × latifolia exudate, in experimental models of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Structural analyses confirmed LG as a complex, highly branched acidic arabinogalactan. In reflux esophagitis in rats, LG improved esophageal morphology, reduced leukocyte infiltration (polymorphonuclear and mast cells), and decreased dilated intercellular spaces. Biochemical analysis in murine esophageal samples revealed that LG lowered inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Histology showed reduced erosion and better tissue preservation. LG-mucin binding was evidenced in vitro using complementary biophysical techniques, namely quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and atomic force microscopy (AFM); and surface wettability was assessed through contact angle measurements. In human esophageal biopsies, immunofluorescence analysis revealed the mucoadhesive potential of LG as a protective surface coating. In cultured human esophageal epithelial cells, LG exhibited no cytotoxicity and promoted wound healing, as demonstrated by a scratch assay. Overall, LG contributes to esophageal protection, attenuates features of reflux esophagitis, interacts with mucins, and supports epithelial repair, suggesting its potential as a functional biomaterial for the management of gastroesophageal reflux-related conditions.