Peppermint Oil Complex- More Than Support for IBS

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Misty L. Trepke

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Peppermint oil complex - More than support for IBS

 

Enteric-coated peppermint oil has been shown to be quite helpful in

improving gastrointestinal function in individuals suffering from

the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - a common functional disorder of

the large intestine characterized by some combination of: (1)

abdominal pain, (2) altered bowel function, constipation, or

diarrhea, (3) hypersecretion of colonic mucus, (4) dyspeptic

symptoms (flatulence, nausea, anorexia), and (5) varying degrees of

anxiety or depression.

 

In several double-blind studies, enteric-coated peppermint oil

(ECPO) has been shown to be effective in relieving all symptoms of

IBS in approximately 70-85% of cases within a two to four week

period. In the latest trial, 42 children between 8-10 years old with

IBS were given ECPO or placebo for 2 weeks. Dosage was one capsule

three times daily for children 30-45 kg and two capsules three times

daily for children over 45 kg. After 2 weeks, 76% of the ECPO group

reported significant improvements compared to only 19% in the

placebo group.1

 

One of the central findings in IBS is a hypercontractility

(excessive contraction) of intestinal smooth muscle.

 

Peppermint oil, especially when combined with caraway oil, inhibits

the hypercontractility of intestinal smooth muscle making it useful

in cases of the irritable bowel syndrome as well as esophageal spasm

and intestinal colic.

 

Other uses

 

In addition to its effects in IBS, enteric-coated peppermint oil

exerts benefits in non-ulcer dyspepsia, gastro-esophageal reflux

disorder, intestinal overgrowth of Candida albicans (a common yeast

implicated in many cases of IBS) and Helicobacter pylori (a bacteria

linked to peptic ulcer disease and stomach cancer), and cases of

gallstones.

 

Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) as well as gastro-esophageal reflux

disorder (GERD) are basically catch-all terms that reflect kind of

waste-basket diagnosis doctors use when they cannot find any real

reason for a patient's upper GI dysfunction, just as irritable bowel

syndrome (IBS) is used as a waste basket diagnosis for lower GI

dysfunction.

 

Symptoms of NUD and GERD include heartburn as well as difficulty

swallowing, feelings of pressure or heaviness after eating,

sensations of bloating after eating, stomach or abdominal pains and

cramps, as well as all of the symptoms of IBS.

 

About three out of ten patients with NUD and GERD also meet the

criteria for IBS.

 

Caraway oil and oregano oil can enhance the benefits of peppermint

oil.

 

Several of the clinical studies in patients with IBS featured the

combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil. The results of these

trials indicate that this combination produces better results than

peppermint oil alone in symptoms of IBS.

 

Recent studies also indicate the combination of peppermint and

caraway oil is quite helpful in improving non-ulcer dyspepsia

(NUD).3,4 In one double-blind study, 120 patients with NUD were

given either the peppermint and caraway seed oil or cisapride

(Propulsid) for 4 weeks.

 

The mean reduction of pain score was comparable in both groups (4.62

for ECPO; 4.6 cisparide). Other symptoms of NUD also improved in a

similar fashion. Positive results were also found in H. pylori

positive individuals.

 

The significance of this study is ENORMOUS. While enteric-coated

peppermint and caraway oil is extremely safe at recommended levels,

Propulsid caused fatal heart rhythm problems.

 

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, at

least 111 people died as a result of Propulsid use and nearly 400

developed heart abnormalities. Propulsid has subsequently been

yanked off the market.

 

Even more effective than enteric-coated peppermint and caraway oil

preparations are those that also contain oregano oil as well such as

Natural Factors' Peppermint Oil Complex.

 

Oregano oil is among the most popular anti-candida recommendations

by many natural health experts. The volatile oils from oregano,

caraway, and peppermint are all effective antifungal agents.

 

One study compared the anti-Candida effect of oregano oil to

caprylic acid and found that the anti-Candida activity of oregano

oil is greater than 100 times more potent than caprylic acid.

 

Enteric-coated peppermint oil also help gallstones. Several studies

have shown a combination of volatile oils can help dissolve

gallstones. This approach to gallstone removal is not effective

in all cases, but it does offer the opportunity for an effective

alternative to surgery.

 

The major components of the formula used in these studies, was

menthol and carvone – the major components of peppermint oil and

caraway oil, respectively.

 

Dosage and safety information

 

The usual dosage of enteric-coated capsules containing peppermint,

caraway, and oregano oil is 1-2 capsules (200 mg/capsule) up to

three times daily between meals. Side effects are rare, but can

include allergic reactions (skin rash), heartburn, and if the dosage

is too high a burning sensation upon defecation. There are no known

drug interactions.

 

References:

 

Kline RM, Kline JJ, Di Palma J, Barbero GJ. Enteric-coated, pH-

dependent peppermint oil capsules for the treatment of irritable

bowel syndrome in children. J Pediatr 2001;138:125-8.

Micklefield GH, Greving I, May B. Effects of peppermint oil and

caraway oil on gastroduodenal motility. Phytother Res 2000;14:20-3.

May B, Kuntz HD, Kieser M, et al: Efficacy of a fixed peppermint

oil/caraway oil combination in non-ulcer dyspepsia. Arzneim Forsch

1996;46:1149-53. May B, Kohler S, Schneider B. Efficacy and

tolerability of a fixed combination of peppermint oil and caraway

oil in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia. Aliment

Pharmacol Ther 2000;14:1671-7. Stiles JC, Sparks W, Ronzio RA. The

inhibition of Candida albicans by oregano. J Applied Nutr 1995;47:96-

102. Somerville KW, Ellis WR, Whitten BH, et al: Stones in the

common bile duct: experience with medical dissolution therapy.

Postgrad Med J 1985;61:313-6.

 

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