Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Plant-Based Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Anselm Meyer, Jonas Auer, Lorena Cascant-Ortolano et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of plant-based therapies for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in 6329 patients across 60 studies. The analysis found that peppermint oil (RR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.33-2.00) and Chinese herbal medicine (RR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.27-1.92) were significantly more effective than placebo, while dietary fiber showed effects nearing significance.
Key findings
- Peppermint oil demonstrated a relative risk of 1.63 for symptom improvement compared to placebo.
- Chinese herbal medicine showed a relative risk of 1.56 for symptom improvement compared to placebo.
- Dietary fiber effects approached significance with a relative risk of 1.22.
- The quality of many included studies was limited.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that plant-based therapies, particularly peppermint oil and Chinese herbal medicine, may offer effective alternatives for managing IBS symptoms, which is important given patient preferences for non-pharmacological treatments.
What to keep in mind
The quality of many studies was limited, and further well-powered randomized controlled trials are needed.