Relief for GERD? The Latest Study Reveals Surprising Findings

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This pilot clinical trial found that Lallemantia royleana (Benth.) seed (LRS) syrup significantly reduced symptoms and improved quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) over 4 weeks of treatment, with no serious side effects reported. The study suggests LRS may be an effective and safe herbal remedy for GERD, though further research is needed.

✏️ Article Summary

84 patients with GERD completed the 4-week trial, taking 6 grams of LRS syrup twice daily. The study found significant reductions in symptom intensity and frequency, as well as improvements in quality of life. No serious side effects were reported. The authors conclude that LRS may be an effective and safe herbal treatment for GERD symptoms, though they recommend further research with larger controlled trials.

🌐 Context and Background

GERD is a common condition; however, the exact cause is still unknown and treatment is usually symptomatic. Current treatments like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have limitations and side effects with long-term use. There is growing interest in complementary and alternative treatments (CAT), including herbal remedies. The authors stated, "GERD is a cold-tempered condition and Balangu, Lallemantia royleana

(Benth), has a warm constitution" leading them to consider this as a possible treatment.

🔑 Key Developments and Insights

• LRS syrup significantly reduced the intensity of 7 GERD symptoms by 64.3-90% after 4 weeks of treatment

• The frequency of symptomatic days per week decreased significantly for main GERD symptoms

• Quality of life scores improved by 43.2% on average

• 88% of patients reported some degree of efficacy, with 29.7% reporting complete symptom resolution

• No serious side effects were observed, with only 2 patients reporting mild polyuria

• The efficacy was comparable to PPIs in some measures, with potentially fewer side effects

💡 Impact and Significance

This study provides preliminary evidence that LRS may be an effective and safe herbal treatment option for GERD. If confirmed in larger controlled trials, LRS could offer an alternative to PPIs and other conventional treatments, especially for patients concerned about long-term medication use or side effects. The study also demonstrates the potential value of investigating traditional herbal remedies using modern clinical trial methods. However, the authors note several limitations, including the lack of a control group and need for longer-term evaluation.

Read the original article here

📚 Citation

Azizi T, Alijaniha F, Ghaffari F, et al. Efficacy of Lallemantia royleana (Benth.) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux; a pilot clinical trial study. Australian Journal of Herbal & Naturopathic Medicine. 2024;36(3):130-135. doi:10.33235/ajhnm.36.3.130-135

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