Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are defined by lack of organic cause with interindividual differences in symptom emergence and severity. Functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) belong to the most prevalent FGIDs.
The present pharmacy-based cohort study aimed at gaining insights into effects and tolerability of Menthacarina - a proprietary specified combination of essential oils from Mentha x piperita L. (90 mg WS® 1340) and Carum carvi L. (50 mg WS® 1520) - applied in subjects suffering from FGID, particularly with mild cramps, bloating and/or fullness. Occurrence and severity of 13 dyspeptic symptoms were assessed at the beginning and during 3 weeks of Menthacarin intake using a modified Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) [1]. Also, patient satisfaction and tolerability were evaluated by pharmacists and pharmacy customers.
50 participants (mean age 54 years) were recruited. After 3 weeks, the GSRS total score was reduced from 48.6±17.1 to 22.8±12.3 points (p<0.001). 44.9% of the patients rated the perceived effects as “very good” or “good” and 30.6% as “satisfactory”, which was comparable to the pharmacists’ rating. 83.3% of the pharmacy customers´ and 87.7% of the pharmacists´ ratings for tolerability of Menthacarin were “very good” or “good”.
These findings clearly indicate the safety and the good applicability of Menthacarin in pharmacy-supported self-medication of patients suffering from FGID.
aMenthacarin® is the active agent of the product Carmenthin® bei Verdauungsstörungen (Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe).
