Effect of a phyto-compound on delayed gastric emptying in functional dyspepsia: a randomized-controlled study

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a hydro-alcoholic solution of a phytocompound based on Gentianae, Cinchonae, Absinthii and Cinnamomi on gastric emptying in Helicobacter pylori-negative dyspeptic patients.

The study group consisted of 24 patients with a diagnosis of long-standing dismotility-like functional dyspepsia. All patients were devoid of any major past or ongoing disease and dyspepsia-associated diseases were excluded. After a 2-week wash out period, the patients were randomized to a 2-week treatment in which they were given 20 gtt of the compound 30 min before meals. At the beginning and end of the study, a gastric emptying test was performed by a paracetamol absorption test using a standard meal. The global symptom index (GSI) was assessed daily by a validated questionnaire.

Treatment with the phytocompound significantly improved the gastric emptying test (P < 0.01) which was delayed in dyspeptic patients as well as GSI (P < 0.05).

This phytocompound might be an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of dismotility-like dyspepsia.