# Treatment of disorders of gut–brain interaction with peppermint oil and caraway oil combination Menthacarin: A phase IV clinical trial

## TL;DR

A clinical trial shows that Menthacarin, a combination of peppermint and caraway oils, effectively reduces symptoms in gut-brain interaction disorders.

## Contribution

This study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness and tolerability of Menthacarin in treating gut-brain interaction disorders.

## Key findings

- All assessed abdominal symptoms showed significant and clinically meaningful improvements (p < 0.001).
- Health-related quality of life significantly improved (p < 0.001) and Menthacarin was well tolerated.
- Days with normal stool consistency increased while days with incomplete bowel movements decreased (p < 0.001).

## Abstract

In disorders of gut–brain interaction including functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, clinical focus has shifted from pathophysiological criteria to symptoms.

A single-arm, low-intervention clinical trial into the effectiveness and tolerability of Menthacarin, a peppermint oil/caraway oil combination, was performed. A total of 126 patients with abdominal pain/cramps or a sensation of being bloated without organic cause received 1 capsule Menthacarin twice a day for 8 weeks. Assessments included abdominal symptoms, stool parameters, and quality of life.

During treatment, all assessed abdominal symptoms showed significant (p < 0.001), clinically meaningful improvements, with standardized effect sizes of 0.83–1.05 for change from baseline. The number of days/week with symptom impact or incomplete spontaneous bowel movements almost halved, while days/week with normal stool consistency increased (all p < 0.001). Health-related quality of life significantly improved (p < 0.001) and Menthacarin was well tolerated.

The study demonstrates patient-relevant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms during treatment with Menthacarin while underlining its favorable tolerability profile.