Efficacy of a standardised herbal formulation in Helicobacter pylori positive patients with gastritis or peptic ulcer: a triple-blind randomised clinical trial

Abstract

IntroductionPistacia atlantica subsp. kurdica and Quercus brantii are traditionally used for various gastrointestinal disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of herbal formulation from these two herbs on Helicobacter pylori infection, as well as undertake phytochemical analysis. MethodsA total of 78 H pylori-infected patients were enroled in this triple-blind randomised clinical trial and divided into two equal groups. The intervention and control groups received herbal formulation and placebo capsules once a day besides conventional therapy for 2 weeks, respectively. Patients were asked regarding their clinical symptoms at baseline, 2 weeks, and 3 months after the start of treatment. Also, the urea breath test was applied to assess the effects of herbal formulation 3 months after the start of treatment, which showed a significantly higher rate of H pylori eradication in the intervention group. ResultsWe found that the frequency of clinical symptoms was significantly lower in the intervention group 2 weeks after the start of the study. As well, the standardisation of the herbal formulation was performed according to volatile and nonvolatile compounds by GCMS/FID (gas chromatography mass spectrometry/flame ionization detector) and HPLC-PDA (high pressure liquid chromatography/photodiode array). ConclusionsGenerally, our results confirm the beneficial effects of herbal formulation on H pylori infection in line with its local application. Trial registrationIRCT20120215009014N233.