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Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Plant-Based Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Anselm Meyer1, Jonas Auer2, Lorena Cascant-Ortolano3
1Medical Department II, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Plant-based therapies like peppermint oil and Chinese herbal medicine show promise for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptom relief. While dietary fiber also appears beneficial, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these natural IBS treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent brain-gut interaction disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
- Many IBS patients seek complementary therapies, with a preference for plant-based preparations over conventional pharmaceuticals.
- The clinical utility and safety of plant-based interventions for IBS remain incompletely established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy and safety of plant-based therapies for managing IBS symptoms.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of specific botanical agents, including fiber, peppermint oil, Aloe vera, and Chinese herbal medicine, in IBS patients.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three major electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science) from inception to May 2024.
- Efficacy was determined by dichotomous ratings of IBS symptom improvement.
- A random-effects model was employed for meta-analysis, including 60 eligible studies encompassing 6329 patients.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis indicated 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.
- Dietary fiber demonstrated effects approaching statistical significance (RR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.00-1.49).
- Aloe vera showed a trend towards efficacy (RR=1.25; 95% CI: 0.76-2.06), but data for other agents were insufficient for meta-analysis. Study quality was often limited.
Conclusions:
- Peppermint oil and Chinese herbal medicine represent effective and safe treatment options for IBS patients compared to placebo.
- Dietary fiber may offer therapeutic benefits for IBS, warranting further investigation.
- High-quality, well-powered randomized controlled trials are essential to solidify the role of plant-based preparations in the comprehensive management of IBS.
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