Efficacy of Peppermint Oil in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits in absence of detectable structural abnormalities with worldwide incidence of 10-20%. According to Rome IV criteria subtypes of IBS can be IBS-D, IBS-C and IBS-M. Both non pharmacological and pharmacological therapy are available for IBS. Earlier Peppermint Oil (PO) was used in different types of abdominal pain. An oral formulation of PO is used in patients of IBS to improve symptoms. Hence the study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Peppermint Oil in IBS patients.METHOD: A prospective randomized, placebo-controlled study of 6month was done in Dept. of Pharmacology and Gastroenterology, SCBMCH, Cuttack. A total of 60 IBS patients(18-60yr) were included in the study. They were divided randomly into two groups by lottery system. Gr-1 received PO 180mg TDS 60 min before breakfast, lunch, dinner and Gr-2 received placebo. The baseline and follow-up parameters of Total IBS symptom Score (TISS) were recorded at 0hr, 24hr and 4wks of treatment in both groups and Pain was assessed using Numeric Rating Scale. Statistical analysis were done using Mann-Whitney Test and Wilcoxon signed ranked Test. RESULTS: There was significant reduction in TISS and PAIN score at 24hr and 4weeks with Peppermint Oil from the baseline with Placebo.CONCLUSION : Peppermint oil was found to be effective in IBS patients. Keywords: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Peppermint Oil, Total IBS symptom score, Numeric Pain rating scale