observational
    2014

    Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

    Chedid V, Dhalla S, Clarke JO, Roland BC

    Published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine

    Methodology

    Retrospective comparative study of 104 patients with lactulose breath test-positive SIBO treated for 4 weeks with either rifaximin 1200 mg/day or a herbal antimicrobial regimen, with repeat breath testing.

    Key Findings

    Negative follow-up breath tests occurred in 46% of herbal-treated versus 34% of rifaximin-treated patients, a non-significant difference (P=.24).

    Conclusions

    Herbal antimicrobials were at least as effective as rifaximin in this cohort, though the study was not randomized.

    Limitations

    Non-randomized, single-center, treatment self-selection; no placebo arm.

    Supplements Studied

    Of the 37 patients who received herbal therapy, 17 (46%) had a negative follow-up LBT compared to 23/67 (34%) of rifaximin users (P=.24).

    Berberine
    Compound

    Of the 37 patients who received herbal therapy, 17 (46%) had a negative follow-up LBT compared to 23/67 (34%) of rifaximin users (P=.24).

    Related Health Concerns

    Study Details

    Year:2014
    Sample Size:104
    Duration:4 weeks
    Quality Score:5/10

    Disclosures

    Funding

    Academic medical center

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.