Viridian Peppermint Oil Plus (timed Release Capsules)

Several studies have demonstrated a substantial anti-spasmodic effect of peppermint oil on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint oil must be administered via enteric coated or delayed release capsules which deliver the active oil to the small intestine where it extends release over 10-12 hours, thus delivering peppermint oil to the colon which is the target organ in irritable bowel syndrome.

Caraway (Carum carvi) also known as ‘Meridian fennel’ or ‘Persian fennel’, has an anise like aroma. Caraway seeds are not technically seeds but split halves of dried fruit. Caraway, in combination with peppermint, has been studied in delayed release capsules for its benefits to digestive health, in particular the symptoms of IBS, dyspepsia and reflux.

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) is a widely used spice commonly found in Indian cuisine. The well known taste and aroma of ginger is due to its volatile oil content. Traditionally, ginger is used as a carminative and largely used for dyspepsia, gastroparesis and constipation.4 Modern research has shown that ginger is effective for nausea.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by abdominal pain or discomfort and accompanied by a change in bowel habit.

There have been some 20 human clinical studies conducted on peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome over three decades. A recent meta-analysis of four high-quality clinical studies concluded that peppermint oil is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome.

For example, in a four week supplementation study with enteric coated peppermint oil, 75% of participants reported a 50% improvement in symptoms, indicating a very high response rate and clinical effect.

In another study, people with IBS took peppermint oil or placebo 15-30 min before meals, for one month. Of the people taking peppermint, 79% experienced an alleviation of the severity of abdominal pain, many were pain-free; 83% had less abdominal distension, 83% had improved stool frequency, 73% had fewer borborygmi (bowel sounds), and 79% had less flatulence.

Peppermint oil relieves symptoms of IBS

Similarly, a study of enteric peppermint oil capsules concluded that supplementing with 0.2ml of peppermint oil one to three times daily 15 minutes before each meal was effective in people with IBS. After 8-weeks of use, peppermint oil significantly reduced abdominal pain or discomfort, the severity of abdominal pain, and there was an overall improvement in quality of life.

Good results have also been documented in children with IBS taking peppermint oil capsules. In a randomised, double-blind controlled trial, 42 children with IBS were given enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules or placebo. After two weeks, 75% of those receiving peppermint oil had reduced severity of pain associated with IBS.

DYSPEPSIA- A combination of enteric-coated peppermint oil and caraway has been shown to reduce symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia (e.g., heart burn, reflux, pain, fullness, bloating, and gastrointestinal spasm). Despite the enteric coating and delayed release, peppermint oil and caraway cause smooth muscle relaxation in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Interestingly, peppermint and caraway each work to reduce intestinal contractions during different phases of the digestion process, suggesting a synergistic effect. Ginger has also been shown to improve dyspepsia due to improvement of H.pylori eradication. H. pylori is a common causative infection in functional dyspepsia.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia was conducted over 4- weeks.16 Before the start of treatment all patients in the test preparation group reported moderate to severe pain, while by the end of the study 63.2% of these patients were free of pain. The pain symptoms had improved in a total of 89.5% of people and overall symptoms were improved in 94.5% of people treated with the peppermint oil and caraway combination.

In another trial, peppermint and caraway were tested in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia. After one month the average intensity of pain was reduced by 40% and symptoms of pressure, heaviness and fullness were reduced by 43%.

Peppermint and Caraway reduce pain severity.

Peppermint and Caraway improve overall dyspepsia symptoms.

Positive results of peppermint and caraway for functional dyspepsia and symptoms such as severe pain and discomfort as well as quality of life were reported in a another clinical study. The authors of this report, which included a review or previous research concluded that overall efficacy of a peppermint and caraway combination appears comparable to drug treatment, e.g. with prokinetics. Due to its good tolerability and safety, peppermint and caraway can be considered an alternative for the long- term management of these patients.

NAUSEA – Ginger root is well advocated for its benefits in preventing vomiting and nausea. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials showed that ginger supplementation was more effective than placebo for reducing nausea. A meta-analysis concluded that 1000mg of ginger effectively prevented post surgery nausea and vomiting. Possible mechanisms of action include the free radical activity of gingerol, a key active in ginger or the 5HT3 receptor blocking action which inhibits gastric contraction.

• The inhalation of peppermint oil vapours has been shown to significantly reduce postoperative nausea when compared to placebo.

• ANTIMICROBIAL – Peppermint oil has well established antimicrobial actions and in vitro studies have confirmed its ability to inhibit a number of bacteria including H.pylori, Staphyloccocus aureus and E.Coli. Peppermint has also demonstrated anti-fungal properties against Candida albicans. Peppermint oil may improve symptoms by reducing bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Peppermint oil has been shown to reduce the growth of at least  types of bacteria, including virulent antibiotic resistant strains, and has been shown to normalise small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in IBS.

• An in vitro study has shown that caraway oil is effective in inhibiting the formation of fungal colonies and therefore may have a potential application in treating candida. Ginger has shown to be effective in inhibiting H.pylori and has exhibited broad-spectrum anti-parasitic activity.

• GASTRIC EMPTYING – Research has shown both peppermint oil and ginger are effective in increasing the rate of gastric emptying. A randomised, two-way cross-over study reviewed the effects of volunteers consuming 0.64ml of peppermint oil with a test meal vs. without. Results from breath tests showed accelerated gastric emptying (see Figure 4).35 It is hypothesised that peppermint oil has this action through a reduction in gastric spasms and increased opening of the pyloric ring.

• Peppermint oil improves gastric emptying (time in minutes)

Research has also shown that supplementation with 1200mg of ginger significantly increased gastric emptying which may be of benefit in conditions such as IBS and functional dyspepsia.

ANTI-SPASMODIC – Peppermint oil has exhibited antispasmodic actions. In a randomised, double blind controlled trial, peppermint oil was found to be superior with fewer side effects to the antispasmodic agent, Buscapan, under endoscopic investigation. Orally administered peppermint oil was demonstrated to be a safe and effective antispasmodic agent in another study during a barium meal examination.

Dosage: Two capsules up to three times daily with food once to twice daily or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Children over 8-years, take one to two capsules with food up to three times daily, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.
Not recommended for children under 8-years.

Potential applications of using Peppermint Oil Plus

Irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, anti-spasmodic, nausea, slow gastric motility, Candida, H. pylori, Intestinal parasites, small intestine bacteria overgrowth.

Known contraindications: Do not use in biliary duct occlusion, gall bladder stones or inflammation or liver damage. Use in caution with gastrointestinal reflux and ulcers.

Do not use if there is a known hypersensitivity to peppermint. Not recommended for use in breastfeeding or pregnancy.

Adverse reactions: Adverse events to peppermint oil are very rare, and generally mild and transient, but very specific; heartburn and anal/perianal burning or discomfort sensations. If symptoms occur reduce the dose or discontinue use.

Peppermint Oil Plus Interactions: Do not use peppermint oil in combination with immune-supressant ‘Cyclosporin’ as it may increase the bioavailability of this drug. Only use in combination under medical supervision.

Useful links with Peppermint Oil

Probiotics, fibre, KiwiZyme, HCl, digestive enzymes, glutamine, licorice, oregon grape root, grapefruit seed extract.