An evidence-based narrative review of oral supplements for the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome

(doi:10.24875/NGL.20000001)

Jordan M. Shapiro, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US
Jill K. Deutsch, Yale University School of Medicine - Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, US
William D. Chey, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) represents one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders faced by patients in the community. Physicians only see a fraction of the total number of individuals who suffer with symptoms, often incompletely understand the underpinnings of this complex disease process, and are often limited by the efficacy, availability, and cost of traditional prescription medications. For this reason, a significant number of patients with IBS seek relief from a variety of complementary and alternative therapies including herbal supplements. The use of herbal supplements may allow some patients to maintain control over their symptoms. It is thus the focus of this narrative review to provide evidence-based information, either in support of or simply to educate physicians, to bridge the knowledge gap. We highlight what is known about eight of the most common supplements used for the treatment of IBS including Aloe vera, peppermint, STW-5 (Iberogast^®), glutamine, turmeric, artichoke leaf extract, melatonin, and cannabis. 

Keywords: Aloe vera. Peppermint oil. STW-5. Glutamine. Melatonin. Cannabis.