Peppermint oil complex - More than support for IBS

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Peppermint oil complex - More than support for IBS

JoAnn Guest

Dec 22, 2003 11:27 PST

 

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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