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MSM

Health News Archive 151 - Heartburn
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Artichoke Reduces Heartburn Naturally

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with heartburn.

METHODS: In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 247 patients with heartburn were recruited and treated with either a commercial artichoke leaf extract preparation (2 x 320 mg plant extract t.d.s.) or a placebo. The primary efficacy variable was the sum score of the patient's weekly rating of the overall change in dyspeptic symptoms (four-point scale). Secondary variables were the scores of each heartburn symptom and the quality of life (QOL) as assessed by the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI).

RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-seven patients were enrolled, and data from 244 patients (129 active treatment, 115 placebo) were suitable for inclusion in the statistical analysis (intention-to-treat). The overall symptom improvement over the 6 weeks of treatment was significantly greater with artichoke leaf extract than with the placebo. Similarly, heartburn patients treated with artichoke leaf extract showed significantly greater improvement in the global quality-of-life scores (NDI) compared with the placebo-treated patients.

CONCLUSION: The artichoke leaf extract preparation tested was significantly better than the placebo in alleviating symptoms and improving the disease-specific quality of life in patients with heartburn.

Source:

Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia: a six-week placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003 Dec;18(11-12):1099-105.