Efficacy and Safety of LiWei Capsule in Chronic Non-Atrophic Gastritis with Erosions

Chronic gastritis, a prevalent condition globally, often progresses from non-atrophic to atrophic forms, increasing the risk of gastric cancer. Chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNG) with erosions is particularly common among Chinese patients, presenting symptoms like epigastric pain and bloating. Traditional treatments include HP eradication, prokinetics, and gastric protective agents, but drug resistance and side effects limit their effectiveness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been recognized for its therapeutic effects on chronic gastritis. LiWei Capsule (LWC), a proprietary herbal formulation, has been used for over two decades to treat CNG with erosions, showing efficacy in promoting tissue regeneration and alleviating pain. The phase II trial aimed to assess LWC's efficacy and safety compared to a positive control (SJWT) and placebo.

The study enrolled 301 patients, evaluating them at various intervals post-treatment. LWC showed significant improvements in alleviating epigastric pain/bloating and resolving endoscopic erosions compared to both SJWT and placebo. It also demonstrated potential benefits in treating HP infection, though long-term effects remain to be confirmed.

Safety evaluations indicated that LWC is well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. The study highlights LWC's potential as a safe and effective treatment for CNG with erosions, though further research with larger sample sizes and longer treatment durations is recommended to fully understand its benefits and mechanisms.