In vitro wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties of a multicomponent gel food supplement: Preclinical evidence for a complementary approach in gastroesophageal reflux disease management.

Abstract

BackgroundGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with epithelial injury and inflammation of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Long-term pharmacological therapies may present limitations, encouraging interest in complementary approaches.AimThis study evaluated the in vitro wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of the multicomponent gel food supplement Reflus Gel^® (RG), formulated for gastric acidity management.MethodsWound healing was assessed using a scratch assay on fully confluent Caco-2 cells, while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α release in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsRG enhanced wound closure at 24 and 48 h compared with untreated control (p < 0.0001) and reduced IL-1β (p < 0.01), IL-6 and TNF-α (p < 0.0001) secretion in stimulated macrophages.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that RG promotes cell migration and modulates inflammatory responses in vitro, suggesting a potential role as a complementary strategy in GERD management.