A natural alternative for a widespread condition
Gastroesophageal reflux is a very common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms such as heartburn, acid regurgitation, bloating, and epigastric pain. Proton pump inhibitors are the most common treatment. However, using them for a long time can cause serious side effects. These side effects include problems with nutrient absorption, a higher risk of osteoporosis, infections, and changes in gut bacteria.
In light of these issues, interest is growing in natural and well-tolerated approaches capable of relieving symptoms without interfering with gastric physiology. Among the most promising solutions is the use of deglycyrrhizinated licorice extracts, particularly rich in flavonoids, which can exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and protective action on the gastrointestinal mucosa.
The clinical study: objective, method, and population
To rigorously evaluate the efficacy and safety of a standardized extract of deglycyrrhizinated licorice root, a phase III, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical study was conducted. The trial involved 200 adults aged 18 to 60, all suffering from symptoms compatible with gastroesophageal reflux for at least one month.
Participants were divided into two groups: one received the herbal extract in capsule form to be taken twice a day for 28 days, while the other received a placebo identical in shape and appearance.
Clinical evaluation was conducted at different stages (days 7, 14, 28, and 35), using two validated scales: the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) and the Gastroesophageal Symptom Assessment Scale (GSAS), which respectively measure the impact of symptoms on quality of life and the severity/frequency of discomfort.
Results: clear improvements from the first weeks
The collected data showed that the herbal extract led to a clinically significant improvement in reflux symptoms, particularly heartburn and regurgitation, starting from the second week of treatment. Quality of life scores improved a lot when measured with the GERD-HRQL questionnaire. This was much better than the placebo group, with a higher average reduction (p = 0.014).
The GSAS score also showed a marked reduction in the frequency, intensity, and emotional impact of symptoms in the treated group. Improvement was clear by day 14 for the burning sensation (p = 0.017). For regurgitation, improvement was seen on day 7 (p = 0.025), day 14 (p = 0.029), and day 28 (p = 0.022). A trend toward reduction of other associated symptoms, such as flatulence and early satiety, was also observed.
Tolerability and safety: no relevant side effects
One of the main advantages of the extract used lies in its deglycyrrhizinated composition, i.e., with low glycyrrhizin content, the component of licorice responsible for side effects such as hypertension and fluid retention. This allowed for a high safety profile without compromising efficacy.
No serious adverse events were reported during the study. Mild side effects, such as headaches or muscle pain, were comparable between the two groups and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. Moreover, no rebound effects were observed after stopping the treatment, unlike what can happen with some antisecretory drugs.
A positive impact on quality of life
Another significant element that emerged from the study is the high level of satisfaction reported by participants who received the herbal extract. Patients reported feeling better during the day and at night, according to the global evaluation questionnaire. They found the treatment helpful and would likely recommend it to others with similar symptoms. Scores related to satisfaction and perceived efficacy were significantly better than the placebo (p < 0.001).
Final considerations
The results obtained suggest that the use of a standardized extract of deglycyrrhizinated licorice root rich in flavonoids may represent a valid natural alternative to conventional pharmacological treatments for mild to moderate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.
The observed benefits include not only early reduction of the most bothersome symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation, but also an overall improvement in quality of life without the side effects commonly associated with antacid medications.
if your company is interested in creating or manufacturing a gastro-oesophageal reflux product
Source: February 2025, “Efficacy and Safety of GutGard® in Managing Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Symptoms: A Phase III, Single-Centre, Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial”, PubMed
