Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint leaf
For the health condition: Dyspepsia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Peppermint Leaf for Dyspepsia: Scientific Evidence
Peppermint leaf (Mentha × piperita) has a long history of use for digestive complaints, but its application in dyspepsia (indigestion) is also supported by modern scientific studies. The primary active constituents in peppermint—menthol and other volatile oils—have demonstrated antispasmodic effects on the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract.
Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have evaluated peppermint oil (often in enteric-coated capsules) for various digestive disorders, including dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These studies indicate that peppermint oil can reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort, which overlap with functional dyspepsia. A 2019 systematic review (Zhang et al.) found peppermint oil to be significantly more effective than placebo for improving global symptoms in functional dyspepsia, although the quality of evidence varies.
The mechanism is believed to involve relaxation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle via calcium channel blockade, reduction of gastric motility, and modulation of visceral sensitivity. However, most research focuses on peppermint oil rather than the dried leaf itself, and studies specifically targeting dyspepsia are fewer than those for IBS.
In summary, the use of peppermint leaf (or more commonly, its oil) for dyspepsia is supported by moderate-quality scientific evidence, though further research would help clarify the optimal form and dosage for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia
cutchallspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
apple
artichoke
barberry
basil
myrobalan
berry flavor
betel
bilberry
black pepper
blackberry
rice
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
fennel
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
heartwood
Indian tinospora
licorice root
marshmallow
mustard seed
oregon grape
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
plantain
plum fruit
raspberry
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
triphala
gastrodia
cardamom
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
peony
boxthorne
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
chrysanthemum
dioscorea
fern
hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
wood betony
white oak
indigo leaves
enzymes blend (proprietary)
geranium
Avens
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Ananain
Abuta
Aniseed myrtle
Arisaema
Black Seed
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Belleric myrobalan
Bistort
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bael
Boswellia
Banyan
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bitter principals
Black root
banana
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Centaury
Cinnamomum
Combretum quadrangulare
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Capsaicin
Curcumen
Catechu
Campylandra fimbriata
Colombo
Corktree
Curcuma
Chirata
Costus
Colocynth
Celosia
Dianthrone
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Goldthread
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Peppermint leaf
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Afterbirth Pain
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps and Spasms
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Insect Repellant
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis