Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint leaf
For the health condition: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Peppermint leaf, particularly in the form of enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules, is supported by scientific evidence for use in managing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that peppermint oil can reduce the severity of abdominal pain, bloating, and overall IBS symptoms compared to placebo. The primary active constituent, menthol, exerts a relaxing effect on gastrointestinal smooth muscle by blocking calcium channels, resulting in antispasmodic effects that can relieve cramping and discomfort associated with IBS.
For example, a 2019 meta-analysis published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies concluded that peppermint oil is significantly more effective than placebo for global IBS symptom improvement. The American College of Gastroenterology’s 2021 guidelines for IBS management suggest that peppermint oil can be considered for symptom relief based on moderate-quality evidence. Most studies use enteric-coated preparations to ensure delivery to the intestines, as non-coated forms may cause heartburn or dyspepsia due to release in the stomach.
It is important to note that while peppermint oil is the primary form studied, some traditional use of peppermint leaf tea also exists for digestive complaints, but scientific validation pertains mainly to the oil form. Overall, the evidence base is robust for peppermint oil’s efficacy, making it one of the most scientifically validated herbal approaches for IBS symptom management.
More about Peppermint leaf
More about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Other ingredients used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
2'-Fucosyllactoseakkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
alpha-pinene
amino acids
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
Indian frankincense
butyrate triglyceride
chen pi
chia seed
chlorella
cinnamon
turmeric
curcumin
fennel
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
ginger
green banana
green tea
guar gum
cellulose
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lovage
marshmallow
oat
pectin
peppermint oil
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
butyric acid
psyllium
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
vitamin D
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
hyssop
atractylodes
ferula assafoetida
anise
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
chrysanthemum
senna
white oak
algae
Agastache
Asafoetida
Alexandrian senna
Agrimonia pilosa
Betony
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Boswellia
Bacillus licheniformis
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Cumin
Coriander
Citron
Cannabidiol
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Enterococcus
Enzyme Blend
Fig
Fiber
Quince
Rhubarb
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