Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 151-161 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 153 which is crucial for the digestion and absorption of fats. The active compounds in peppermint can stimulate bile secretion, thereby enhancing digestive processes and improving overall gastrointestinal function (Begas et al., 2017). 3.2 Clinical evidence supporting digestive health Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of peppermint oil, a concentrated form of peppermint, in managing IBS symptoms (Onakpoya, 2020; Nee et al., 2021). A systematic review and meta-analysis found that peppermint essential oil is both efficacious and well-tolerated in the short-term management of IBS, providing significant relief from symptoms such as abdominal pain and altered bowel habits (Hawrelak et al., 2019). Another randomized controlled trial confirmed that small intestinal-release peppermint oil significantly reduced abdominal pain, discomfort, and IBS severity compared to placebo (Figure 1) (Weerts et al., 2019). Figure 1 Abdominal pain and discomfort scores in the ITT-population (N = 189). Values are adjusted estimated marginal means derived from the linear mixed model, and bars represent standard errors. The small-intestinal–release peppermint oil group had significantly greater reduction in mean daily worst abdominal pain compared with the placebo group at week 8 (P= 0.016). The small-intestinal–release peppermint oil group also had significantly more reduction in abdominal discomfort compared with the placebo group (P= 0.020, and P= 0.009, at weeks 6, and 7, of treatment, respectively). The ileocolonic-release peppermint oil group did not differ significantly in reduction in abdominal pain and discomfort compared with the placebo group. Abdominal pain and discomfort was assessed weekly with an 11-point NRS in the digital diary. NS, not significant. *P< 0.25 (Adopted from Weerts et al., 2019)
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