The Use of Peppermint Oil in Gastroenterology.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

For decades, mint has been used worldwide for its relieving effects against gastrointestinal disturbances. Peppermint is a perennial herb common in Europe and North America. The active ingredient of peppermint oil is menthol and has various gastroenterological and non-gastroenterological uses, especially in the context of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).

METHODS:

We conducted a literature search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials, and case series using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: peppermint oil, gastro-intestinal motility, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, gastrointestinal sensitivity and gastrointestinal endoscopy.

RESULTS:

Peppermint oil and its constituents exert smooth muscle relaxant and anti-spasmodic effects on the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, duodenum, and large bowel. Moreover, peppermint oil can modulate visceral and central nervous system sensitivity. Taken together, these effects suggest using peppermint oil both for improved endoscopic performance and for treating functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Importantly, peppermint oil has an attractive safety profile compared to classical pharmacological treatments, especially in FGIDs.

CONCLUSION:

Peppermint oil is a safe herbal medicine therapy for application in gastroenterology, with promising scientific perspectives and rapidly expanding use in clinical practice.

• Authors: Emidio Scarpellini, Bert Broeders, Jolien Schol, Pierangelo Santori, Mariachiara Addarii, Luigi Boccuto, Florencia Carbone, Ludovico Abenavoli, Jan Tack
• Journal: Current pharmaceutical design (Curr Pharm Des) Vol. 29 Issue 8 Pg. 576-583 ( 2023) ISSN: 1873-4286 [Electronic] United Arab Emirates
• PMID: 36994979 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at [email protected].

Chemical References

• peppermint oil
• Plant Oils

Topics

• Humans
• Dyspepsia (drug therapy)
• Gastritis
• Gastroenterology
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Plant Oils (pharmacology, therapeutic use)