OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of modified Zhizhu pill (ZZP) in treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to explore its mechanism.

METHODSSixty-three GERD patients were randomly divided into the treated group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 33). The treated group was treated with ZZP 100 ml, twice daily by orally taking half an hour before meal. The control group was treated with Ranitidine 0.15 g, twice daily and Cisapride 10 mg, three times a day by orally taking before meal. The therapeutic course for both groups was 8 weeks. The changes of symptom scoring, endoscopic examination, esophageal pressure, 24 hrs monitoring on pH and blood level of motilin in the two groups were recorded and compared.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the symptom scoring, esophageal pressure, 24 hrs monitoring on pH and blood motilin level were improved in both groups (P < 0.05), and the improvement in the treated group was more significant than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONZZP has good effect in treating GERD.

Adult ; Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Esophagitis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Esophagus ; physiopathology ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; complications ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Male ; Manometry ; Middle Aged ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; Motilin ; blood ; Phytotherapy ; Ranitidine ; therapeutic use