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The Effect of Enteric-Coated, Delayed-Release Peppermint Oil on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Abstract

Herbal remedies, particularly peppermint, have been reported to be helpful in controlling symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study on 90 outpatients with IBS. Subjects took one capsule of enteric-coated, delayed-release peppermint oil (Colpermin) or placebo three times daily for 8 weeks. We visited patients after the first, fourth, and eighth weeks and evaluated their symptoms and quality of life. The number of subjects free from abdominal pain or discomfort changed from 0 at week 0 to 14 at week 8 in the Colpermin group and from 0 to 6 in controls (P < 0.001). The severity of abdominal pain was also reduced significantly in the Colpermin group as compared to controls. Furthermore, Colpermin significantly improved the quality of life. There was no significant adverse reaction. Colpermin is effective and safe as a therapeutic agent in patients with IBS suffering from abdominal pain or discomfort.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a grant from the Digestive Disease Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The study medication (Colpermin) and placebo was kindly provided by Tillotts Pharma, Ziefen, Switzerland.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Digestive Disease Research Center, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, N Kargar St, 14117, Tehran, Iran

    Shahin Merat, Shadi Khalili, Pardise Mostajabi, Anahita Ghorbani, Reza Ansari & Reza Malekzadeh

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  1. Shahin Merat
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  2. Shadi Khalili
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  3. Pardise Mostajabi
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  4. Anahita Ghorbani
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Correspondence to Reza Malekzadeh.

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Merat, S., Khalili, S., Mostajabi, P. et al. The Effect of Enteric-Coated, Delayed-Release Peppermint Oil on Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Dig Dis Sci 55, 1385–1390 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-0854-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-009-0854-9

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