Can licorice and blueberry supplements boost reflux treatment?
NCT ID NCT07790549
First seen Aug 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether adding a gel made with alginate, licorice, and blueberry to a standard reflux medicine improves symptoms and quality of life in adults with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). About 140 participants will receive either the standard medicine alone or the medicine plus the supplement for 4 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in reflux symptoms and quality of life at 2 and 4 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- A dietary supplement gel containing sodium alginate and extracts of licorice and blueberry, taken alongside esomeprazole
- What this could lead to
- If it works, adding this supplement to standard reflux medicine could offer a natural way to ease heartburn and improve quality of life for people with non-erosive GERD.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, and the supplement may not provide extra benefit beyond the standard drug. Some people may experience side effects from the supplement or the drug.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 140 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 75 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged ≥18 years. * Males and females. * Diagnosis of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD), based on the absence of macroscopic lesions of the distal esophageal mucosa on endoscopy performed within 6 months prior to enrollment. * Heartburn and/or acid regurgitation at least 3 times per week during the 2 weeks prior to enrollment. * Written informed consent for study participation obtained prior to the start of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Active gastric or duodenal ulcer within the previous 3 months. * Previous surgery involving the esophagus or treated upper gastrointestinal tract. * Absence of erosive esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus. * Severe renal or hepatic impairment. * Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-antagonists, or systemic glucocorticoids within 2 weeks prior to enrollment. * Pregnancy. * Breastfeeding. * Alcohol or drug abuse. * Hypersensitivity to any of the study product components. * Participation in another clinical trial within 30 days prior to enrollment. * Lack of acceptance of written informed consent.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Casa di Cura Quisisana
Rome, Lazio, 00197, Italy
-
Centro per la Gastroenterologia
Mercato San Severino, Salerno, 84085, Italy