A folk remedy for heartburn and reflux that can replace omeprazole has been named

A team of scientists from Thailand conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled study between 2019 and 2021 to demonstrate the efficacy of turmeric.

The 2019 study demonstrated that in vivo curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, promotes a protective mechanism in the esophagus that limits acid reflux. The scientists suggested that this treatment is comparable to the use of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI), lansoprazole.

In a new study, scientists tested this hypothesis, this time using curcumin and another PPI, omeprazole. The scientists conducted the experiment on 206 patients aged 18-70 who suffered from recurrent gastric distress (functional dyspepsia). Omeprazole is a popular treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), one of whose well-known symptoms is heartburn. However, long-term use of PPIs is discouraged as these drugs are associated with a higher risk of infections, fractures, and even dementia.

Curcumin is derived from the underground rhizomes of the perennial herb turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Like ginger, it has been used for more than 4,000 years in Ayurvedic (Indian) and Chinese medicine to treat everything from arthritis to respiratory infections.

In the latest study, the researchers divided the participants into three groups: one received two large 250 mg curcumin capsules four times a day plus a small PPI capsule a day); another received two large 250 mg capsules four times a day plus a small PPI capsule a day; and the last group received two large curcumin capsules and a small PPI tablet.

After 28 and 56 days, the remaining 151 participants (20 in the curcumin cohort, 19 in the omeprazole group, and 16 receiving both treatments) were evaluated using the Dyspepsia Severity Rating Scale.

Curcumin or the combination treatment showed almost the same results as PPIs alone for relief of all symptoms except pain, on which omeprazole advanced slightly. After 56 days, pain scores were similar, but turmeric again performed better in alleviating other symptoms.

While the results of the study were promising, further safety and efficacy studies are needed for potential commercial use. Nevertheless, the researchers note, "the results of our study may justify consideration of curcumin in clinical practice."

The study is published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.