Efficacy of jing Si herbal tea in functional dyspepsia: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

BackgroundFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is prevalent worldwide and is associated with gastrointestinal inflammation, mucosal anomalies, and shifts in microbiota metabolites like short chain fatty acids. This study assesses the efficacy of Jing Si herbal tea (JSHT) in alleviating FD symptoms, psychological distress, and influencing metabolites. MethodsAdults with FD based on Rome IV criteria were included. Participants underwent physical and psychological evaluations, pre-treatment blood sampling, and were randomly assigned to JSHT or placebo groups for four weeks. Post-treatment, evaluations and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for gut metabolites were done. Successful response was defined by a 50% symptom reduction. Symptom intensity, sleep, depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using questionnaires. Results26 patients (median age 55.5 years, range 22–77 years, 60.6% female) were studied. Both JSHT and placebo groups were similar at baseline. JSHT showed a higher response rate (69.2%) than placebo (23.1%, P = 0.018). JSHT recipients experienced notable reduction in upper gastrointestinal symptoms and anxiety (P = 0.005; P = 0.037). Increased serum butyrate was observed in improved patients (P = 0.01), whereas no major changes were detected in the placebo group. ConclusionFour weeks of JSHT treatment ameliorated FD symptoms and anxiety, potentially linked to increased serum butyrate. This study suggests that JSHT has potential therapeutic role in patients with FD.