Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Nutraceutical Containing Sodium Alginate, Sodium Bicarbonate, PEA, A Blend of Opuntia Ficus Indica, and Olea Europaea, Musa Paradisiaca, and Ginger in Patients with NERD

¹Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

²Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IBD Unit- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria- Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy

³Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.

⁴Cristalfarma Srl, 20143 Milan, Italy

*Corresponding author: Carlo Calabrese Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Zamboni, 33 - 40126, Bologna, Italy, Tel: +39 329 8195757, E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: February 27, 2026

Publication Date: March 31, 2026

Citation: Calabrese C, et al. (2026). Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Nutraceutical Containing Sodium Alginate, Sodium Bicarbonate, PEA, A Blend of Opuntia Ficus Indica, and Olea Europaea, Musa Paradisiaca, and Ginger in Patients with NERD. Nutraceutical Res. 5(1):21.

Copyright: Calabrese C, et al. © (2026).

ABSTRACT

Background: Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is a common subtype of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), frequently showing suboptimal response to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Eolo®, a nutraceutical formulation containing sodium alginate, sodium bicarbonate, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and herbal extracts, has been pro-posed as an adjunctive or alternative therapy to improve symptom control and mucosal protection. Methods: In this single-center, randomized, parallel-group study, 60 patients with NERD were assigned to: Eolo® plus half-dose PPIs for 12 weeks; half-dose PPIs alone for 12 weeks followed by Eolo®; or half-dose PPIs for 24 weeks. After 12 weeks, patients in groups A and B discontinued PPIs and continued Eolo® alone for an additional 12 weeks. Symptom severity and quality of life were evaluated using GERD-HRQOL and RSI questionnaires at baseline (T0), 12 weeks (T1), and 24 weeks (T2). Results: Eolo®-treated groups showed non-inferiority to PPIs alone in improving GERD-HRQOL and RSI scores, with notable reductions in regurgitation and heartburn. No significant differences between groups were observed. The nutraceutical demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with mild, transient adverse events. Compliance exceeded 98%, and 93% of participants reported good palatability. Conclusion: Eolo®, as adjunctive or standalone therapy, provides symptom relief comparable to PPIs in NERD patients and may offer additional mucosal protection. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term benefits.

KEYWORDS: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Non-Erosive Reflux Disease, Musa paradisiaca, Olea europaea, Opuntia ficus-indica, Zingiber officinale, Palmitoylethanolamide