8 Supplements That May Help Treat Peptic Ulcers – And Some to Avoid

Answer:

Peptic ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach (i.e., "gastric ulcers") or the small intestine (i.e., "duodenal ulcers"). In some people, peptic ulcers cause no symptoms. In other people, ulcers may cause pain in the upper part of the belly, bloating, and nausea. In people with severe ulcers, bleeding can occur.

Peptic ulcers are caused by long-term irritation. The most common causes of irritation include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection or regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection are treated with antibiotics. Peptic ulcers caused by NSAIDs require stopping use of NSAIDs when possible. Acid reducers such as proton-pump inhibitors can be used to ease irritation of ulcer until it heals.

Certain supplements have been used alone or along with antibiotic therapy for H. pylori infection, and some, but not all, have shown benefit in eliminating H. pylori from the gut or decreasing side effects of antibiotic treatment. On the other hand, some supplements may worsen symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and should be avoided by people with this condition.

Supplements that may reduce symptoms of peptic ulcers

Berberine

Berberine is from goldenseal root. Some research has shown that taking berberine with triple therapy for H. pylori (i.e., clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and esomeprazole) can modestly increase eradication rate while reducing side effects of triple therapy alone (Jiang, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2018). Other research has shown that the combination of berberine along with triple therapy eradicates H. pylori about as effectively as triple therapy plus bismuth (Zhang, Medicine 2017). Berberine is generally well-tolerated at the doses used in clinical studies (about 900 mg to 1,500 mg per day), although it may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people and should be used cautiously or avoided with certain medicines, such as those that lower blood sugar, those that lower blood pressure and those broken down by certain liver enzymes. For more details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of our Berberine and Goldenseal Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for berberine.

Cranberry

Cranberry, commonly taken to help prevent urinary tract infections, has shown modest benefit for reducing H. pylori infection when used alone or along with antibiotics, although the greatest benefit seems to occur when used with antibiotics. Research has shown good evidence for cranberry juice when taken in dosages of 250 mL (about 8 oz) twice daily along with antibiotics for H. pylori, although some research has found that only cranberry juice with high amounts of proanthocyanidins (about 44 mg per 8 oz serving) is beneficial (Zhang, Helicobacter 2005; Shmuely, Mol Nutr Food Res 2007; Li, J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020). The effects of cranberry supplements have also been positive, but details regarding the form and concentration of proanthocyanidins in the cranberry supplement used were not specified (Seyyedmajidi, J Res Pharm Pract 2016).

Cranberry is generally well-tolerated, although it may cause gastrointestinal upset or skin redness and itching in some people (McMurdo, Age and Ageing 2005; Wang, Arch Int Med 2012). Cranberry juice might not be appropriate for people with diabetes, those at risk for kidney stones, or those with an allergy to aspirin. See our Top Picks for cranberry juice and supplements.

Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring, iron-binding protein in mammalian milk. In supplements, lactoferrin is often promoted for "supporting" the immune system and improving gut health. One study suggests that taking lactoferrin may help suppress, but not eradicate, H. pylori infection. Lactoferrin appears to be well-tolerated by most people, but it may trigger allergic reactions in people with milk allergies (Hochwallner, Methods 2014).

Licorice

Taking 380 mg of licorice extract containing less than 3% glycyrrhizic acid twice daily along with standard antibiotic therapy for 2 weeks has been shown to moderately improve H. pylori eradication, particularly in people with peptic ulcer disease, when compared with antibiotics alone (Hajiaghamohammadi, Braz J Infect Dis 2016). Small amounts of licorice may be safe for most adults to use short-term but regular use of non-deglycyrrhizinated licorice can cause a loss of potassium, which can have serious health consequences.

Melatonin

Blood levels of melatonin have been found to be lower among people with H. pylori infection who are experiencing pain. Animal studies suggest that melatonin may help protect the stomach lining and aid ulcer healing. One study showed that taking 5 mg of melatonin twice daily along with triple therapy (i.e., metronidazole, amoxicillin and omeprazole) for 2 weeks helped heal ulcers in more people than triple therapy alone (Celinski, J Physiol Pharmacol 2011). However, the triple therapy used in this study is not the regimen used in the U.S. Short-term use of melatonin supplements appears to be generally safe for adults, although it can interact with certain foods and medications. For more information about possible side effects or interactions, see the Concerns and Cautions section of our Melatonin Supplement Review, which includes our Top Picks for melatonin.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil contains carvacrol, a key active compound that has demonstrated antibacterial activity against clinical strains of H. pylori in laboratory studies (Korona-Glowniak, Molecules 2020), although clinical research on the effects of oregano oil in people with H. pylori infection is limited. The concentration of carvacrol in oregano oil ranges from about 35% up to 85% or higher in concentrated products (Munir, Microbial Pathogenesis 2025; Walasek-Janusz, Molecules 2024).

In a small observational study, H. pylori infection was eliminated in 29 out of 39 participants who took a combination of supplements, including a 50-mg tablet of emulsified oil of oregano (amount of carvacrol not provided) three times per day plus mastic gum, probiotics and fiber, and 4 to 6 tablets of Pepto-Bismol daily for 12 weeks (Liponis, Nat Med J 2015). Similarly, a company-funded study among 15 H. pylori-positive participants who took a supplement (liquid or softgel) containing a mixture of oregano, thyme, and Satureja L. essential oils containing 47% carvacrol (HerbELICO, HerbElixa Ltd) for 60 days found that, eight weeks after supplementation ended, 93% of participants were H. pylori-negative. Ten participants reported complete resolution of symptoms (such as stomach pain and bloating) after 10 days of supplementation, and the other five participants reported no symptoms by the end of treatment. Participants took 260 mg of HerbELICO per day for the first 45 days followed by 130 mg per day for 15 days, providing, respectively, 123 mg and 62 mg, of carvacrol per day. The supplement was taken as a divided dose, twice daily, on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before meals (Nikolic, Molecules 2023). However, both studies used oregano oil in combination with other substances and there was no placebo-control, which is needed to prove a benefit.

ConsumerLab has not tested oregano oil supplements, but, based on the test results published by NOW of competing brands (see below), as well as dosage, form, and cost, ConsumerLab's top choice is a liquid, Carlyle Organic Oil of Oregano ($12.69 for a 2-oz. bottle), which was found to contain just slightly more than its expected amount of carvacrol. A suggested 0.15-mL serving (about 5 drops, to be added to a "small" amount of water) costs 3 cents and provides 24 mg of carvacrol. Three to five servings per day (9 to 15 cents) would provide close to the daily dose of carvacrol (62 to 123 mg) reported to reduce H. pylori symptoms in the HerbELICO study above, and due to its liquid form, the dose can easily be adjusted or divided throughout the day. If you prefer a pill, Horbaach Oil of Oregano 4,000 mg ($17.49 for 300 softgels) provides 20 mg of carvacrol per softgel for 5 cents, so a daily dose of 100 mg of carvacrol from this brand would cost 25 cents and could be taken in divided doses. Be aware that the label for these pills warns they may cause a "heated sensation" (as discussed below) and should be taken with food. If you prefer an enteric-coated pill, NOW Oregano Oil softgels ($19.99 for 90 softgels) list 100 mg of carvacrol per pill (testing showed it to contain slightly more) for 22 cents, and the enteric-coating may help reduce the risk of stomach pain or "heated sensations." NOW softgels also contain small amounts of ginger oil (which, as noted above, has not been shown to help with peptic ulcer symptoms) and fennel oil, which is sometimes promoted to help with digestion or acid reflux, although there is little evidence to support this use.

Tests by the supplement company NOW of 32 oregano oil supplements (including many lesser-known brands) purchased from Amazon found that only 14 products met or exceeded their claimed amount of carvacrol (or if no label claim, contained a minimum of 55% carvacrol). These high-quality products were 10 softgels (Horbaach Oil of Oregano 4,000 mg, July Deer Oil of Oregano 6,000 mg, Microingredients Oil of Oregano, Natures Truth Oil of Oregano 4,000 mg, NOW Oregano Oil, Resilia Oil of Oregano 6,000 mg, Stop Aging Now Orega-Pure, Sundance Oil of Oregano 4,000 mg, VBTOP Oil of Oregano 6,000 mg, and Vegepower Oil of Oregano) and one liquid (Carlyle Organic Oil of Oregano). Five softgels contained only about 50% to 80% of their expected amounts of carvacrol (Aromavita Oregano Oil 10,000 mg, Deal Supplement Oil of Oregano 9,000 mg, Island Oregano Oil 75%, LincNutri Oil of Oregano Enteric, and Naturebell Oil of Oregano 7,500 mg), while softgels from six other brands contained just 1.5% to 7% of their claimed or expected amounts (Acentiallabs Oregano Oil 6,000 mg, Belano/Viabloom Oil of Oregano, Halanx Oregano Oil Formula, Kcormes Oil of Oregano Formula, PWERD Oil of Oregano 6,000 mg, and Youngberries Oregano Oil). Ten other products, all softgels, contained little (less than 1%) to no detectable carvacrol: Adaptoheal Oregano Oil, Beword Oil of Oregano 9,000 mg, Clijyyen Oil of Oregano 6,000 mg, FYENCAM Oil of Oregano, Grovenix Oil of Oregano 6,000 mg, Hatman Labs Wild Oregano Oil, Kaszciy Oil of Oregano 12,000 mg, Signilife Oil of Oregano 6,000 mg, QVQ Oregano Oil Softgels, and Upmirror Oil of Oregano. NOW also tested three oregano essential oils (which are highly concentrated and not intended for ingestion), each of which contained their expected amounts of carvacrol (NOW Oregano Oil Liquid Pure, SVA Organic Oregano Oil, and Up Nature Oregano Oil Liquid, Pure).

Although generally well-tolerated, high doses of oregano oil and highly concentrated oregano oil, such as in supplements, may cause stomach pain, a "heated sensation," cramping, gas, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or headache (LiverTox 2012; Liponis, Nat Med J 2015). To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, oregano oil should be taken in a diluted form (i.e., mixed with another oil, as many oregano oil supplements are) and taken with food. Enteric-coated formulations are available and may also help reduce this risk, although there do not appear to be clinical studies of enteric-coated oregano oil supplements in people with H. pylori infection. Although rare, allergic reactions to oregano oil may occur and may be more common in people allergic to other herbs in the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family, such as basil, hyssop, marjoram, mint, sage, thyme, and lavender (Benito, Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1996). Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or who are nursing should not take oregano oil supplements, as they may increase the risk of miscarriage and have other adverse effects (LiverTox 2012; Ciganda, J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2003; Zhang, Food Chem Toxicol 2021).

Probiotics

Probiotics are viable (live) bacteria and/or yeasts that confer a health benefit. Although some evidence suggests that taking probiotics containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Saccharomyces species in addition to antibiotics may help to increase eradication of H. pylori (a causative agent of stomach ulcers), most of the studies examining probiotics for H. pylori infection have been conducted in China and are not well designed. Furthermore, questions remain as to which probiotic strain may be most beneficial and what dose and duration of treatment would be optimal for improving eradication. For this reason, the American College of Gastroenterology does not recommend for or against the use of probiotics with antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection.

Nonetheless, if you will be taking antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection, many studies have shown benefit of probiotics for reducing the risk of diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatment. To find out which probiotics have evidence of decreasing this side effect of antibiotics, see our Top Picks for probiotics in our Probiotic Supplement Review.

Vitamin B-6

Although vitamin B-6 supplementation does not appear to improve the eradication of H. pylori, high-dose supplementation with vitamin B-6 may reduce adverse effects (such as headache, dizziness, loss of balance, and gastrointestinal symptoms) that can occur when taking antibiotics (minocycline and metronidazole) commonly prescribed to help treat H. pylori infection.

Products unlikely to help with peptic ulcer disease

Antacids

Over-the-counter antacids containing certain forms of calcium, magnesium or aluminum are often taken to relieve symptoms of peptic ulcers, but these products are not considered beneficial for healing peptic ulcers (Morris, Gut 1979). Antacids do not eliminate H. pylori infection (one of the most common causes of peptic ulcers), and a study in which people with ulcers caused by H. pylori were treated with antacids showed an 80% recurrence rate (Dworkin, Infect Dis Clin Pract 2000). Also be aware that long-term use of calcium-containing antacids has been linked with increased risk of hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood).

Ginger

Taking a ginger supplement (apparently a ginger root extract) for six weeks following standard treatment for peptic ulcers did not reduce pain, nor the number or severity of ulcers, or frequency of H. pylori infection compared to placebo, according to a small study in Iran (Arefpour, Clin Nutr Open Sci 2024).

Manuka honey

Manuka honey has been promoted for the treatment of gastric/stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori. However, a very small study found that taking manuka honey for two weeks did not eliminate H. pylori infection in affected people (McGovern, J R Soc Med 1999).

Mastic gum

Mastic gum is made from the resin of a mastic tree. Research conducted in the 1980s evaluating mastic gum for peptic ulcer disease suggested that it had modest benefit for healing peptic ulcers (Al-Habbal, Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 1984). However, more recent studies have shown that taking mastic gum does not help eradicate H. pylori, indicating that it probably has no benefit for treating the most common cause of peptic ulcers (Bebb, J Antimicrob Chemother 2003; Dabos, Phytomedicine 2010).

Supplements that may worsen symptoms of peptic ulcer disease

Arginine

It has been suggested that arginine may increase stomach acid levels and worsen esophageal reflux (heartburn), although this has not been proven in people. Nevertheless, it may be prudent for individuals with ulcers or esophageal reflux, as well as those taking NSAIDs that can be hard on the stomach, to use caution when taking arginine.

Feverfew

Feverfew, which is common taken for headache relief, might worsen peptic ulcers. Feverfew seems to reduce the production of prostaglandins (Collier, Lancet 1980). Prostaglandins have shown some benefit in preventing and/or treating peptic ulcers (Wilson, Postgrad Med 1987). Taking feverfew, especially in combination with NSAIDs, might increase the risk of stomach problems including peptic ulcers.

Iron

Occasionally, use of iron pills can damage the protective lining of the stomach, leading to stomach erosions and ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding (known as iron-pill induced gastropathy). This may be more likely to occur in older adults. The liquid form of oral iron is less likely to damage the lining of the stomach. Gastritis and a non-bleeding stomach ulcer have also been reported in a person taking iron pills for iron-deficiency anemia.

Many other supplements may also cause stomach irritation and heartburn. People with or at risk for peptic ulcer disease may want to avoid these supplements. To find out more, see our Answer to Supplements That Can Cause or Worsen Acid Reflux & GERD.

Supplement considerations for people treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for peptic ulcer disease

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of drugs used to reduce stomach acid and are first-line treatments for peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori infection or for certain people at high risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced peptic ulcer disease (McConaghy, Am Fam Physician 2023). However, long-term use of PPIs may reduce the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B-12 and lead to deficiency. Supplementation may be necessary, although people taking PPIs long-term are advised against routinely increasing their intake of calcium, magnesium or vitamin B-12 to intake levels above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) (Freedberg, Gastroenterology 2017). Also see our article about supplement interactions with PPIs.

Bottom Line

For patients with peptic ulcers due to H. pylori infection, taking probiotic products containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Saccharomyces boulardii strains or drinking cranberry juice may be beneficial when used along with standard antibiotics. It is uncertain if taking melatonin is beneficial when used with first-line antibiotic therapy for H. pylori infection. Lactoferrin may help suppress but does not seem beneficial for eradicating H. pylori. Berberine, licorice and oregano oil may also be beneficial, but research is still preliminary. Taking over-the-counter antacids, mastic gum, or honey does not appear to be beneficial. Supplements such as arginine, feverfew, and iron should be used cautiously, as these may worsen symptoms of peptic ulcer disease.