Effect of Aloe Vera and Pantoprazole on Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Mustard Gas Victims: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Background: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common
complaint of sulphur mustard (SM)-exposed subjects. Routine treatments such as proton-pump
inhibitors (PPIs), H2-blockers and anti-acids cannot control GERD
symptoms completely. Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that has been shown
to reduce gastric acid secretion. The efficacy of pantoprazole with or without A.
Vera juice in alleviating GERD symptoms was investigated in SM-exposed
subjects.
Methods: Male patients with a
history of SM exposure and diagnosed GERD were enrolled and assigned to treatment
with pantoprazole (40 mg before breakfast) plus A. vera syrup (5 mL bid
before breakfast and at bedtime) (n=44), or pantoprazole alone (40 mg before
breakfast) (n=41) for a period of 6 weeks. GERD symptoms were assessed at
baseline and weeks 3 and 6 of study using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI)
questionnaire.
Results: Seventy-five patients (n=38
and 37 in the A. vera + pantoprazloe and pantoprazole group,
respectively) completed the study. No significant difference was found between
the groups regarding demographic characteristics and baseline RSI score
(p>0.05). A decreasing trend in RSI score was observed in both groups by the
3rd and 6th week of study (p<0.001). There was a
greater reduction of RSI score in the A. vera + pantoprazloe versus
pantoprazole group (p<0.001). There was no report of any side effects from A.
vera during the course of trial.
Conclusion: Findings of the present study suggested a significant…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 44 participants or records.
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