Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) fruit syrup for gastroesophageal reflux disease in children: A double-blind randomized...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in children.
• Current treatments for pediatric GERD have limitations.
• Natural remedies are being explored for GERD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Myrtus communis L. (myrtle) fruit syrup as an adjunct treatment for pediatric GERD.
• To compare the effects of myrtle fruit syrup versus placebo in children with GERD.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Children aged 1-7 years with GERD received either omeprazole with myrtle fruit syrup or omeprazole with placebo syrup.
• The GERD Symptom Questionnaire for Young Children (GSQ-YC) was used to assess symptoms at baseline, 8 weeks, and 4 weeks post-intervention.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in overall GERD scores were observed between the myrtle syrup and placebo groups at 8 or 12 weeks.
• The myrtle group showed a statistically significant reduction in "refusal to eat" symptom compared to the placebo group at 8 weeks (p=0.018) and study end (p=0.042).
• While not statistically significant, the myrtle group had a smaller increase in GERD scores after treatment cessation compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions:

• Myrtle fruit syrup may not be effective for overall GERD symptom management in children.
• Myrtle fruit syrup shows potential benefits for improving appetite in children with GERD.
• Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm these findings and explore optimal usage.