Lee Swanson Research Update

Peppermint Oil-Relieves IBS Symptoms

April 2006

The bulk of clinical evidence shows that peppermint oil is a safe and effective short-term treatment for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a review of 15 clinical trials on peppermint oil in the treatment of IBS.

The 15 clinical trials enrolled a total of 651 patients and lasted from two weeks to six months. Nine clinical trials were randomized double-blind crossover studies, five were randomized double-blind parallel group studies and two were open label studies. In the clinical trials, peppermint oil was compared to placebo, psychotherapy and anti-cholinergic smooth muscle relaxants. The authors used "overall success" to compare the studies in order to account for study method variations.

The placebo response was in the range of 10—52% for all studies; the average placebo response was 29%. Of the 12 placebo-controlled trials, eight showed a statistically significant positive effect for peppermint over the placebo.

The nine double-blind crossover trials showed peppermint oil efficacy in the range of 39—79%, with an average positive response rate of 58%. The two open-label studies showed mixed results: the range of positive response to peppermint oil was 18—93%. Three double-blind crossover studies comparing peppermint oil to smooth muscle relaxants did not show significant differences between the two types of treatments in terms of efficacy.

The wide response ranges may be partially due to the fact that IBS has multiple causes. Peppermint oil therapy is more cost effective and is associated with a lower risk of adverse events than conventional treatments available for IBS. The authors conclude that peppermint oil may be the therapy of choice "in IBS patients with non-serious constipation or diarrhea to alleviate general symptoms and improve quality of life."

American Botanical Council

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