This document proposes an experiment to test whether Petiveria alliacea extract can treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by altering stomach pH levels. The experiment would divide rats into four groups: one exposed to the extract without acid promoters, one with both extract and promoters, one with just promoters, and a control group with neither. The stomach contents of rats in each group would be examined weekly over four weeks to measure pH, acids, and other substances. If the extract raises pH levels or inhibits acid production long-term, it could provide an alternative GERD treatment to existing options by targeting the underlying causes beyond just relieving symptoms.

1. Petiveria Alliacea L. Extract for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Edwin J. Alvarado, University of Puerto Rico, Cayey, PR
Abstract experiment, it would be helpful to prepare a solution of the various
components of gastric acid and slowly add consecutive doses of anamú
Petiveria alliacea L. is a very influential plant in Latin-American extract while recording pH between doses. This simple experiment could
traditional medicine. P. alliacea, also known as anamú, is believed to help shed light to the fact that if the extract acts as a buffer solution.
possess a myriad of properties; however, countless research has backed Afterwards it would be useful to determine the solution’s buffer region.
up some of its medicinal traits with solid evidence. Of the proven
characteristics, two are key to this research: antibacterial1 and analgesic2. Expected Results
These two qualities can account for the plant’s reputation for calming
GERD. The real question is if the plant’s extract can alter the stomach’s The plant’s extract will most probably yield the hypothesis true. This
environment to an extent that can calm GERD beyond just killing is due to the analysis of the disease: the plant must be causing more
bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) and relieving pain and discomfort. The within the stomach than just eliminating Helicobacter pylori and calming
proposal is that if the stomach’s contents are irrigated with anamú the pain of the ailed, because GERD is not a simple disease to deal with.
extract, it will raise the pH levels of the stomach or, more ideally, inhibit
Future Work
the stomach’s acid irrigation in a long term exposition. To determine if
the components of the plant’s extract can neutralize the stomach’s pH, After conducting the aforementioned experiments, two sources for the
inhibit its acid irrigation, calm some of the stomach’s abnormal extract will be compared to see which of them (leaf or root) yields the
conditions, and the efficiency of a long term versus a short term greatest effects. In addition, if the hypothesis is proved to be correct,
treatment. If proven accurate, the plant can provide an alternative determining which components of the plant’s extract affect the stomach
treatment to those afflicted with GERD. will be the next task to be carried out. Experimentation using human
subjects may be considered; however, some of the components of the
Materials and Methodology
plant’s extract are believed to be extremely toxic. Until research on the
Using rats as the main specimen, examine the stomach contents of plant suggests otherwise, human experimentation is a matter to be
four (4) groups of twenty (20) rats weekly for a period of four weeks. handled delicately.
The rats will be exposed to P. alliacea extract and no acid promoter
References
foods (Group A), extract and the presence of acid promoter foods (Group
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KaCl concentration, among other substances such as different hormones
and proteins. But the main focus is pH because it offers a glimpse at 2. Lopes-Martins RAB, Pegoraro DH, Woisky R, Penna SC, Sertié
what is happening at the molecular level. After recollecting all of the JAA. The anti-Inflammatory and analgesic effects of a crude
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