Guaiacol -- a new compound in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux?

The effects on the oesophagus of an aromatic oil, guaiacol, has been examined in a group of 20 patients with reflux oesophagitis and also normal volunteers. This agent produced a rapid and sustained rise in resting lower oesophageal sphincter pressures and the peristaltic pressures induced in response to swallowing liquids. This compound may prove useful in the treatment of patients with reflux oesophagitis and other disorders of oesophageal motility.