Efficacy of Aloe Vera Extract Versus Omeprazole in the Treatment of Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
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Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic condition characterized by heartburn and regurgitation, which affect the quality of life. Its treatment includes lifestyle modification and medication to reduce gastric acid secretion. However, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors in non-excessive gastric acid patients causes an imbalance of the gut flora. This causes inflammation and long-term destruction of the epithelial cells of the esophagus. Aloe vera has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties. This research aimed to explore the efficacy of 70 mg Aloe vera extract in capsule form to reduce the frequency and
severity of GERD for 4 weeks compared with omeprazole to determine an appropriate alternative treatment for the disease. In this open-labelled randomized controlled trial research, after participating, participants completed
a record of the symptoms and severity of the disease including heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, flatulence, and nausea/vomiting. Then, the patients were followed up at 2 and 4 weeks, and their GERD frequency and severity were compared using Generalized Estimating Equations for repeated measures with multivariable correlation. The results showed that Aloe vera extract significantly reduced the frequency of dysphagia and the severity of heartburn better than omeprazole. The mean frequency of dysphagia in the Aloe vera group decreased by 0.12 time per week, compared to the omeprazole group with a drop by 0.04 time per week (P = 0.042). And, the severity of heartburn in the Aloe vera group dropped by 2.31 points per week, compared with the omeprazole group with a decrease of 1.40 points per week – the decrease levels were significantly different (P = 0.036); however, there were reports of abdominal pain and diarrhea after Aloe vera extract medication. Thus, Aloe vera extract capsules may be used as
an alternative remedy to relieve GERD symptoms.
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