A new observational study suggests that chewable tablets containing prickly pear cactus extract and antacids might bring fast, lasting relief for heartburn. In the study, most participants felt better within 20 minutes, and many reported that the relief lasted for more than two hours.
The study, recently published in Scientific Reports, involved 100 adults in Germany who managed their heartburn, acid regurgitation, or gastric discomfort by taking the product, Refluthin, as needed for up to four weeks.
Refluthin combines calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, familiar antacid ingredients, with an extract from the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica).
People have used prickly pear cactus for generations to help with digestive issues. For example, Mexican folk medicine and traditional Sicilian practices have turned to it for stomach discomfort and ulcer relief. Scientific studies also show it may help protect the digestive lining.
Key findings
In the study, participants took up to four tablets daily whenever they had symptoms. Researchers found that 81 per cent of people said they felt relief within 20 minutes in at least half of their episodes, and 83 per cent said the relief lasted more than two hours.
Those who used the tablets only when they needed them, instead of every day, reported fewer and less intense reflux symptoms over time.
Study caveats
This study didn’t include a placebo or comparison group. Because of this, it doesn’t confirm whether the tablets themselves directly caused the improvements. Other factors, like natural symptom changes or placebo effects, might also have played a role.
The study’s authors included people affiliated with the product’s manufacturer. This is fairly common in studies of products, but it’s something to be aware of when considering the findings.
Where this fits in
Heartburn is common and can happen when stomach acid moves up into the oesophagus. Some people manage symptoms by changing what and how they eat, while others use over-the-counter treatments like antacids.
Refluthin is one of several products marketed for short-term relief of mild reflux symptoms. If you’re dealing with frequent or severe symptoms, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional to figure out what’s going on and find the most appropriate approach.
How Peptest can help
If you want to better understand your reflux patterns, Peptest can help. It measures pepsin, a digestive enzyme linked to reflux, in your saliva. Monitoring pepsin levels can show you how your symptoms change and whether adjustments to diet, lifestyle, or treatments are making a difference.
Note: Peptest itself isn’t connected to this study or to Refluthin. We share updates like this to help you stay informed about reflux and digestive health.
Treating reflux without confirmation can mean months on medication that isn't the right fit. Peptest is a simple saliva test that detects pepsin — objective evidence of reflux — so you can act on what's actually happening.
- Results in 48 hours
- Saliva test, no invasive probe
- UK laboratory
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