ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Med.
Sec. Gastroenterology
Efficacy of Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction Combined with Omeprazole in the Treatment of Non-Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Chun Wu 1
Chunling Li 2
Jinfeng Zhang 3
Yeyun Lu 4
Liuliu Zhou 4
Zhijun Cheng 5
1. Shanghai Jing'an District Shibei Hospital, Shanghai, China
2. Xinqiao Town Community Health Service Center, shanghai, China
3. Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Shanghai, China
4. Chongming Branch, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
5. Chongming branch, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, shanghai, China
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Abstract
Background: Non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to atypical pathophysiology. While proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole were standard treatments, many patients experience suboptimal relief. This study evaluates the efficacy of combining modified Xiaochaihu Decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine, with omeprazole in managing NERD. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 238 NERD patients treated with either omeprazole alone (n = 111) or a combination of omeprazole and modified Xiaochaihu Decoction (n = 127) for 14 days. Primary outcomes included Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Quality of Life (GERD-Q) scores, while secondary outcomes assessed sleep quality, appetite, anxiety, depression, biochemical parameters, remission rates, and patient satisfaction. Results: The combination therapy group showed significantly reduced GERD-Q scores (7.55 ± 2.25 vs 8.43 ± 2.76; P = 0.008), enhanced sleep quality (P = 0.034), improved appetite (P = 0.003), and lower anxiety and depression levels (P = 0.004 and P = 0.022, respectively). Biochemical analysis revealed lower pepsinogen I and C-reactive protein levels in the combination group, indicating anti-inflammatory effects. Full remission was achieved in more patients receiving the combination therapy (74.80% vs 58.56%; P = 0.021), with greater patient satisfaction (P = 0.008). Symptom recurrence was reduced (P = 0.033), and long-term outcomes improved with combination treatment. Conclusion: Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction combined with omeprazole offers superior efficacy in treating NERD compared to omeprazole alone by addressing inflammation and motility, contributing to better symptom relief and quality of life improvements. However, these findings are derived from a retrospective, non-randomized study and should be interpreted with caution, pending validation in prospective randomized trials.
Summary
Keywords
Disease, efficacy, Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction, Non-Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux, Omeprazole
Received
14 October 2025
Accepted
15 January 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Wu, Li, Zhang, Lu, Zhou and Cheng. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Liuliu Zhou
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