Probiotic and Ginger Supplement for Symptoms and Quality of Life in Functional Dyspepsia (SUBTILE)

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a frequent functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by bothersome postprandial fullness, early satiety, epigastric pain, or burning, in the absence of any structural or metabolic cause. It significantly impairs quality of life and has limited therapeutic options, as conventional treatments such as proton pump inhibitors often show modest efficacy and may cause side effects with long-term use.

The gut and duodenal microbiota may play a role in FD. Spore-forming probiotics such as Bacillus coagulans MY01 and Bacillus subtilis MY02 have shown beneficial effects on FD symptoms in a randomized controlled trial. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a long history of traditional use as a gastroprotective agent and is supported by clinical and non-clinical data for improving gastric motility and related symptoms.

This study (SUBTILE, STO-253) is a prospective, interventional, multicenter trial conducted in France. It will evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement containing Bacillus coagulans MY01, Bacillus subtilis MY02, and ginger extract (50 mg, 20% gingerols) on FD symptoms and quality of life.

A total of 198 adult patients diagnosed with FD according to Rome IV criteria and with a normal upper endoscopy will be recruited in primary care and gastroenterology practices. Participants will take one capsule of the study product daily for 8 weeks.

The primary outcome is the change in the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity (PAGI-SYM) total score between baseline and Week 8.

Secondary outcomes include changes in quality of life (PAGI-QoL), treatment adherence, use of concomitant medications, evolution of lower gastrointestinal symptoms, patient and physician global impressions of change (PGI-C, CGI-I), and satisfaction (Likert scales). An exploratory objective will assess psychological impact using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

The study includes two site visits (baseline and end of study) and one telephone follow-up at Day 28. Safety and tolerability will be monitored through active reporting of adverse events.

The trial aims to provide new evidence on the role of probiotics combined with ginger extract as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve digestive comfort and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia.