Research

Peppermint

63 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

13
Meta-analyses
6
Systematic reviews
42
RCTs
2
Other studies
Meta-analyses (21%)
Systematic reviews (10%)
RCTs (67%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2023·Phytotherapy research : PTR·Mohammad Ali Goudarzi, Mohammad Radfar, Zohreh Goudarzi

Peppermint as a promising treatment agent in inflammatory conditions: A comprehensive systematic review of literature.

Systematic reviewInflammation

Systematic review of 14 articles examining the antiinflammatory effects of peppermint and its main component, menthol. Peppermint may suppress inflammation through various pathways and mechanisms, suggesting its potential as an antiinflammatory agent. Future randomized clinical trials are recommended.

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2022·Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics·Maria Rosa Ingrosso, Gianluca Ianiro, Judy Nee, et al

Systematic review and meta-analysis: efficacy of peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome.

Meta-analysisn = 1,030Gut Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 RCTs with 1030 patients assessing peppermint oil for IBS treatment. Peppermint oil was more efficacious than placebo for global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain, but adverse events were more frequent. The quality of evidence was very low.

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2022·Digestive diseases (Basel, Switzerland)·Ahmed Madisch, Thomas Frieling, Andrea Zimmermann, et al

Menthacarin, a Proprietary Peppermint Oil and Caraway Oil Combination, Improves Multiple Complaints in Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 580Gut Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of Menthacarin, a combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil, in treating functional gastrointestinal disorders. Five randomized trials with 580 patients showed significant effects on symptoms of functional dyspepsia compared to placebo, and favorable results in patients with IBS and Helicobacter pylori infection.

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2020·Minerva gastroenterologica e dietologica·Muhammad Aziz, Sachit Sharma, Sami Ghazaleh, et al

The anti-spasmodic effect of peppermint oil during colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis of peppermint oil's antispasmodic effect during colonoscopy. Peppermint oil reduced incidence of spasticity, severe spasticity, and peristalsis, and improved adenoma detection rate. Results are limited by heterogeneity and call for larger studies with standardized dosing.

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2019·The lancet. Gastroenterology & hepatology·Christopher J Black, Yuhong Yuan, Christian P Selinger, et al

Efficacy of soluble fibre, antispasmodic drugs, and gut-brain neuromodulators in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 4,644Gut Health

This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the efficacy of traditional therapies for IBS, including soluble fibre, antispasmodic drugs, peppermint oil, and gut-brain neuromodulators. Peppermint oil was ranked first for efficacy in improving global IBS symptoms, while tricyclic antidepressants were ranked first for improving abdominal pain. However, the study noted considerable uncertainty due to methodological limitations in the included RCTs.

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2019·BMC complementary and alternative medicine·N Alammar, L Wang, B Saberi, et al

The impact of peppermint oil on the irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis of the pooled clinical data.

Meta-analysisn = 835Gut Health

Meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials with 835 patients assessing the effect of peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Peppermint oil significantly improved global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain compared to placebo, with no significant differences in adverse effects.

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2014·Journal of clinical gastroenterology·Reena Khanna, John K MacDonald, Barrett G Levesque

Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 726Gut Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials assessing enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules for IBS treatment. Peppermint oil was significantly superior to placebo for global improvement of IBS symptoms and abdominal pain. Adverse events were mild and transient, with heartburn being the most common.

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2014·The Journal of pediatrics·Judith J Korterink, Juliette M T M Rutten, Leonie Venmans, et al

Pharmacologic treatment in pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders: a systematic review.

Systematic reviewn = 275Gut Health

Systematic review of pharmacologic treatments for pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders. Peppermint oil showed some evidence of improving symptoms, while cyproheptadine reduced pain frequency and intensity. Overall quality of evidence was very low, and no high-quality trials support routine use of any pharmacologic therapy.

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2011·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·Lisa Ruepert, A Otto Quartero, Niek J de Wit, et al

Bulking agents, antispasmodics and antidepressants for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Meta-analysisn = 3,725Gut Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of bulking agents, antispasmodics, and antidepressants for IBS treatment. No beneficial effect was found for bulking agents. Antispasmodics, including peppermint oil, showed significant benefits for abdominal pain, global assessment, and symptom score. Antidepressants also showed beneficial effects.

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2008·BMJ (Clinical research ed.)·Alexander C Ford, Nicholas J Talley, Brennan M R Spiegel, et al

Effect of fibre, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 591Gut Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs assessing the effect of fibre, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome. Peppermint oil was found to be more effective than placebo in improving symptoms.

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2024·Saudi journal of kidney diseases and transplantation : an official publication of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, Saudi Arabia·Bita Koushki, Mahboobeh Khajeh, Hossein Bagheri, et al

Comparing the Effect of Local Application of Peppermint and Cold Compresses on the Severity of Pain from Venipuncture in Dialysis Patients: A Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

RCTn = 99

Parallel randomized clinical trial comparing the effect of topical peppermint gel and cold compresses on pain intensity from venipuncture in 99 hemodialysis patients. Both peppermint and cold compress significantly reduced pain scores compared to control, with no significant difference between the two interventions.

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2024·The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses·Nurdan Cetin, Gulsah Kose, Aykut Gokbel

Examining the Effect of Peppermint Oil on Postoperative Nausea After Cervical Surgery.

RCTn = 76

This RCT investigated the effect of peppermint oil aromatherapy on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in 76 patients undergoing single-level cervical surgery. The intervention group receiving peppermint oil showed significantly reduced nausea, vomiting, and antiemetic use compared to the control group. Hemodynamic parameters did not differ significantly between groups, except for systolic blood pressure at specific time points.

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2024·Journal of pediatric nursing·Eman Arafa Badr, Hawaa Mohamed Abdalla, Yousr Abd-Elsalam Gaafer, et al

Effect of peppermint inhalation versus Swedish massage on chemotherapy induced-nausea and vomiting in children with leukemia: Multi-arm randomised trial design.

RCTn = 75

Multi-arm randomized trial comparing peppermint inhalation and Swedish massage on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in 75 children with leukemia. Both peppermint inhalation and Swedish massage groups showed significant reduction in nausea and vomiting scores compared to the control group.

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2024·BMJ supportive & palliative care·Mahla Maghami, Mohammad-Sadegh Pour-Abbasi, Safoura Yadollahi, et al

Pain and sleep after open-heart surgery-inhalation peppermint essence: double-blind randomized clinical trial.

RCTn = 64Sleep Inflammation

Double-blind randomized clinical trial in Iran with 64 cardiac patients assessing the effect of inhaling peppermint essence on pain relief and sleep quality after open-heart surgery. The aromatherapy group showed significantly lower pain severity and improved sleep scores compared to the placebo group.

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2024·Complementary therapies in clinical practice·Ju Hyun Ahn, Myoungsuk Kim, Ri Whaol Kim

Effects of aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 RCTs assessing the effect of aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. Aromatherapy, particularly with peppermint oil, significantly reduced nausea and combined nausea and vomiting, but not vomiting alone.

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2021·United European gastroenterology journal·Zsa Zsa R M Weerts, Brigitte A B Essers, Daisy M A E Jonkers, et al

A trial-based economic evaluation of peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

RCTn = 126Gut Health

This multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluated the cost-effectiveness of small-intestinal release peppermint oil versus placebo in 126 IBS patients. Peppermint oil was found to be a cost-effective treatment, with a high probability of being cost-effective per additional successfully treated patient according to FDA definitions.

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2021·The American journal of gastroenterology·Judy Nee, Sarah Ballou, John M Kelley, et al

Peppermint Oil Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

RCTGut Health -

A 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared the effects of enteric-coated peppermint oil to placebo in individuals with IBS. Both groups showed clinically meaningful improvements in IBS symptoms, but there were no statistically significant differences between the peppermint oil and placebo groups.

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2020·Surgical endoscopy·Prasit Mahawongkajit, Amonpon Kanlerd

A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing simethicone, N-acetylcysteine, sodium bicarbonate and peppermint for visualization in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

RCTn = 128

Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing simethicone, N-acetylcysteine, sodium bicarbonate, and peppermint for visualization in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Group D, which included peppermint, showed the lowest total visibility score and improved visualization compared to other groups.

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2020·Digestive diseases and sciences·James Y Han, Zain Moosvi, Erica Duh, et al

Oral IBGard™ Before Colonoscopy: A Single-Center Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

RCT

This randomized controlled trial assessed the effect of oral IBGard, a sustained-release peppermint oil formulation, on reducing colonic spasms and improving adenoma detection rate during colonoscopy. The study found no significant differences in spasm scores or adenoma detection rate between the IBGard and placebo groups.

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2017·Trials·Sarah Ballou, Ted J Kaptchuk, William Hirsch, et al

Open-label versus double-blind placebo treatment in irritable bowel syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 280Gut Health

This study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial comparing open-label placebo (OLP) to double-blind placebo (DBP) administration in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The trial includes a nested RCT comparing DBP and peppermint oil, and examines genetic and psychological predictors of OLP, as well as participants' experiences.

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2012·BMJ clinical evidence·Alexander Charles Ford, Per Olav Vandvik

Irritable bowel syndrome.

Systematic reviewGut Health

Systematic review evaluating the effectiveness and safety of various interventions for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including 5HT(3) receptor antagonists, 5HT(4) receptor agonists, antidepressants, antispasmodics like peppermint oil, cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, loperamide, and fibre supplementation.

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2010·European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology·Paul Enck, Florian Junne, Sibylle Klosterhalfen, et al

Therapy options in irritable bowel syndrome.

Meta-analysisGut Health

Meta-analysis of 121 IBS trials assessing various therapies, including drugs, dietary interventions, and psychotherapy. Peppermint oil showed the highest efficacy, followed by psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions and probiotics. Traditional antispasmodic therapy had moderate efficacy, while motility-affecting drugs and fiber therapies were less effective.

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2007·Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research·Manizheh Sayyah Melli, Mohammad-Reza Rashidi, Ali Nokhoodchi, et al

A randomized trial of peppermint gel, lanolin ointment, and placebo gel to prevent nipple crack in primiparous breastfeeding women.

RCTn = 216

A randomized double-blinded clinical trial with 216 primiparous participants compared peppermint gel, lanolin ointment, and placebo gel for preventing nipple cracks during breastfeeding. Peppermint gel was associated with fewer nipple cracks compared to lanolin and placebo, suggesting its effectiveness in preventing nipple cracks.

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2007·Journal of herbal pharmacotherapy·David Keifer, Catherine Ulbricht, Tracee Rae Abrams, et al

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

Systematic review

An evidence-based systematic review of peppermint (Mentha piperita) covering scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

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2004·Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics·J Melzer, W Rösch, J Reichling, et al

Meta-analysis: phytotherapy of functional dyspepsia with the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (Iberogast).

Meta-analysisn = 199Gut Health

Meta-analysis of six randomized-controlled trials assessing the efficacy and safety of the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (Iberogast) for functional dyspepsia. Pooled data showed STW 5 to be more effective than placebo in reducing the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, with no significant safety concerns.

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2003·Pediatrics·Joy A Weydert, Thomas M Ball, Melinda F Davis

Systematic review of treatments for recurrent abdominal pain.

Systematic reviewGut Health

Systematic review of treatments for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children. Peppermint oil enteric-coated capsules, among other therapies, showed a decrease in pain outcomes compared to control groups. Dietary interventions had mixed results, with fiber showing conflicting results and lactose avoidance showing no efficacy.

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2002·Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics·J Thompson Coon, E Ernst

Systematic review: herbal medicinal products for non-ulcer dyspepsia.

Systematic review

Systematic review of 17 randomized clinical trials assessing herbal medicinal products for non-ulcer dyspepsia. Nine trials involved peppermint and caraway in combination preparations, with 60-95% of patients reporting symptom improvements. The review highlights the potential anti-dyspeptic activity and safety of these herbal products, though further research is needed.

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2025·Human psychopharmacology·Luka Netzler, Brian Lovell

A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Exploring the Short-Term Cognitive and Cerebrovascular Effects of Consuming Peppermint Tea: A Mediation Study.

RCTn = 25Mental Clarity Brain Health

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 25 participants assessed the cognitive and cerebrovascular effects of peppermint tea. The peppermint group showed improved cognitive performance and increased cerebral blood flow compared to placebo. However, cerebrovascular changes did not mediate the cognitive effects.

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2023·Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses·Rae Ann Kingsley

Randomized Trial Examining Efficacy of Mentha piperita in Reducing Chronic Headache Discomfort in Youth.

RCTn = 46

RCT examining the efficacy of peppermint oil in reducing chronic headache discomfort in youth. Both the peppermint oil and control groups reported significant decreases in pain and anxiety, but the addition of peppermint oil did not significantly improve outcomes beyond the control condition.

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2021·British journal of clinical pharmacology·Robert J Shulman, Bruno P Chumpitazi, Susan M Abdel-Rahman, et al

Randomised trial: Peppermint oil (menthol) pharmacokinetics in children and effects on gut motility in children with functional abdominal pain.

RCTn = 30Gut Health

RCT investigating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of menthol from peppermint oil in 30 children with functional abdominal pain. The study found dose-proportionality in menthol systemic exposure and an inverse relationship between colonic transit time and menthol exposure. Stomach, small bowel, and whole gut contractility positively correlated with menthol exposure.

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2019·Gastroenterology·Zsa Zsa R M Weerts, Ad A M Masclee, Ben J M Witteman, et al

Efficacy and Safety of Peppermint Oil in a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

RCTn = 189Gut Health

RCT of 189 IBS patients comparing small-intestinal-release and ileocolonic-release peppermint oil to placebo for 8 weeks. Neither form significantly reduced abdominal pain response or overall symptom relief, but small-intestinal-release peppermint oil improved secondary outcomes of abdominal pain, discomfort, and IBS severity. Adverse events were more common in peppermint oil groups.

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2019·Complementary therapies in medicine·Hassan Babamohamadi, Zahra Ansari, Monir Nobahar, et al

The effects of peppermint gel on prevention of pressure injury in hospitalized patients with head trauma in neurosurgical ICU: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 150Skin Hair Health

This double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of peppermint gel on preventing pressure injuries in 150 ICU patients with head trauma. The intervention group using peppermint gel showed a significantly lower incidence of pressure injuries compared to the control group.

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2017·Neurogastroenterology and motility·G Rich, A Shah, N Koloski, et al

A randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effects of Menthacarin, a proprietary peppermint- and caraway-oil-preparation, on symptoms and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia.

RCTn = 114Gut Health

RCT of 114 outpatients with functional dyspepsia comparing Menthacarin (a peppermint and caraway oil preparation) to placebo for 4 weeks. Menthacarin significantly improved symptoms of epigastric pain syndrome and postprandial distress syndrome, as well as quality of life.

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2017·Arab journal of gastroenterology : the official publication of the Pan-Arab Association of Gastroenterology·Hassan Al Moussawi, Mariam Al Khatib, Malak El Ahmar, et al

The effect of premedication with peppermint oil capsules (Colpermin) prior to colonoscopy: A double blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

RCTn = 80

Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial of 80 patients undergoing elective colonoscopy to assess the efficacy of enteric coated peppermint oil capsules (Colpermin) as an antispasmodic agent. Peppermint oil capsules did not affect caecal intubation time, patients' tolerance, endoscopist's satisfaction, or demand on sedation compared to placebo.

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2016·Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries·Jun Wu, Rui Xu, Rixing Zhan, et al

Effective symptomatic treatment for severe and intractable pruritus associated with severe burn-induced hypertrophic scars: A prospective, multicenter, controlled trial.

RCTn = 74

Prospective, multicenter, controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of a hydrogel (CQ-01) containing peppermint oil, menthol, and methyl salicylate for treating severe pruritus associated with burn-induced hypertrophic scars. CQ-01 showed significant symptomatic relief compared to controls, with effects lasting up to 3 days.

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2013·Mymensingh medical journal : MMJ·M S Alam, P K Roy, A R Miah, et al

Efficacy of Peppermint oil in diarrhea predominant IBS - a double blind randomized placebo - controlled study.

RCTn = 65Gut Health

This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of peppermint oil in relieving symptoms of diarrhea predominant IBS. Seventy-four patients were enrolled, with 65 completing the trial. Peppermint oil significantly improved abdominal pain compared to placebo, but other symptoms and quality of life did not improve significantly.

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2012·Acta gastro-enterologica Belgica·A Shavakhi, S K Ardestani, M Taki, et al

Premedication with peppermint oil capsules in colonoscopy: a double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial study.

RCTn = 65

RCT evaluating enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules (Colpermin) as an antispasmodic premedication in colonoscopy. Colpermin reduced total procedure time, cecal intubation time, colonic spasm, and pain, while increasing endoscopist satisfaction and patient willingness to repeat the procedure.

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2009·Digestive diseases and sciences·Shahin Merat, Shadi Khalili, Pardise Mostajabi, et al

The effect of enteric-coated, delayed-release peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome.

RCTn = 90Gut Health

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study on 90 IBS outpatients comparing enteric-coated, delayed-release peppermint oil (Colpermin) to placebo over 8 weeks. The Colpermin group showed significant improvements in abdominal pain, discomfort, and quality of life compared to controls, with no significant adverse reactions.

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2008·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·A Huertas-Ceballos, S Logan, C Bennett, et al

Pharmacological interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood.

Meta-analysisn = 16Gut Health

Meta-analysis of pharmacological interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children. Three trials were included, one of which compared peppermint oil capsules with placebo in 50 children, showing an odds ratio for improvement of 3.33. The review provides weak evidence of benefit for medication in children with RAP.

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2007·Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver·G Cappello, M Spezzaferro, L Grossi, et al

Peppermint oil (Mintoil) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective double blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.

RCTn = 57Gut Health

A double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT with 57 IBS patients tested enteric-coated peppermint oil. At 4 weeks, 75% of the peppermint oil group showed a >50% reduction in IBS symptoms score compared to 38% in the placebo group. Significant symptom reduction was maintained at 8 weeks.

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2003·Gastrointestinal endoscopy·Naoki Hiki, Hanzou Kurosaka, Yusuke Tatsutomi, et al

Peppermint oil reduces gastric spasm during upper endoscopy: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy controlled trial.

RCTn = 100

A randomized double-blind, double-dummy controlled trial in 100 patients compared the antispasmodic effects of peppermint oil and hyoscine-N-butylbromide during upper endoscopy. Peppermint oil showed superior efficacy in reducing gastric spasm with fewer side effects compared to hyoscine-N-butylbromide.

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2003·Phytotherapy research : PTR·George Micklefield, Oliver Jung, Irmgard Greving, et al

Effects of intraduodenal application of peppermint oil (WS(R) 1340) and caraway oil (WS(R) 1520) on gastroduodenal motility in healthy volunteers.

RCT

RCT studying the effects of intraduodenal application of peppermint oil (WS(R) 1340) and caraway oil (WS(R) 1520) on gastroduodenal motility in healthy volunteers. Peppermint oil decreased frequency and duration of contractions in the duodenum, while caraway oil reduced contraction amplitudes in the duodenum and gastric corpus. Both oils contributed to smooth-muscle relaxation in the stomach and duodenum.

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2000·Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics·B May, S Köhler, B Schneider

Efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia.

RCTn = 96Gut Health

RCT assessing the efficacy and safety of enteric coated capsules containing peppermint oil and caraway oil in 96 patients with functional dyspepsia. The PCC group showed significant reductions in pain intensity and sensations of pressure, heaviness, and fullness compared to placebo, with 67% of patients much or very much improved.

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1998·The American journal of gastroenterology·M H Pittler, E Ernst

Peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome: a critical review and metaanalysis.

Meta-analysisGut Health

This meta-analysis reviewed clinical trials of peppermint oil as a symptomatic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Eight randomized controlled trials were identified, with five included in the meta-analysis. Results suggest peppermint oil could be efficacious for symptom relief in IBS, but methodological flaws prevent a definitive judgment on efficacy.

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2019·Journal of psychosomatic research·K Barnes, A Yu, J Josupeit, et al

Deceptive but not open label placebos attenuate motion-induced nausea.

RCTn = 154

The study examined the effects of deceptive and open-label placebos on motion-induced nausea using Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation and Virtual Reality in healthy volunteers. Peppermint vapor was used as a sham treatment. Deceptive placebos reduced nausea compared to control, while open-label placebos showed no significant effect.

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2018·Nutrients·David Kennedy, Edward Okello, Paul Chazot, et al

Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function.

RCTn = 24Mental Clarity Mood

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced cross-over study with 24 participants assessing the cognitive and mood effects of peppermint essential oil. The highest dose improved performance on the Rapid Visual Information Processing task and both doses attenuated fatigue and improved performance on the Serial 3s subtraction task.

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2018·Advances in therapy·Zsa Zsa R M Weerts, Daniel Keszthelyi, Lisa Vork, et al

A Novel Ileocolonic Release Peppermint Oil Capsule for Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Phase I Study in Healthy Volunteers.

RCTn = 8

Phase I study comparing pharmacokinetic parameters of ileocolonic release peppermint oil (IC-PO) and small intestinal release peppermint oil (SI-PO) in 8 healthy volunteers. IC-PO showed a significantly delayed peak menthol glucuronide concentration and time to reach maximum concentration, suggesting release in the distal intestine.

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2014·Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses·Debra S Sites, Nancy T Johnson, Jacqueline A Miller, et al

Controlled breathing with or without peppermint aromatherapy for postoperative nausea and/or vomiting symptom relief: a randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 42

RCT comparing controlled breathing with peppermint aromatherapy to controlled breathing alone for postoperative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV) relief. Among 42 subjects with PONV, controlled breathing was slightly more efficacious than peppermint aromatherapy, though not statistically significant.

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2013·Neurogastroenterology and motility·A Papathanasopoulos, A Rotondo, P Janssen, et al

Effect of acute peppermint oil administration on gastric sensorimotor function and nutrient tolerance in health.

RCTn = 13Gut Health

RCT investigating the effect of acute peppermint oil administration on gastric sensorimotor functions in healthy volunteers. Peppermint oil reduced intragastric pressure, proximal phasic contractility, and appetite during fasting, with negligible effects on gastric sensitivity, tone, accommodation, and nutrient tolerance.

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2011·Journal of holistic nursing : official journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association·Betty Lane, Kathi Cannella, Cathy Bowen, et al

Examination of the effectiveness of peppermint aromatherapy on nausea in women post C-section.

RCTn = 35Womens Health

RCT examining the effect of peppermint spirits on postoperative nausea in women following a C-section. The peppermint group showed significantly lower nausea levels compared to placebo and standard antiemetic therapy groups 2 and 5 minutes after intervention.

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2010·International journal of clinical practice·A Borhani Haghighi, S Motazedian, R Rezaii, et al

Cutaneous application of menthol 10% solution as an abortive treatment of migraine without aura: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossed-over study.

RCTn = 35

Randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossed-over study of 35 patients with migraine attacks. Menthol 10% solution applied cutaneously was statistically superior to placebo in achieving 2-hour pain free and pain relief, as well as alleviating nausea, vomiting, phonophobia, and photophobia.

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2007·Phytotherapy research : PTR·Mehmet Akdoğan, Mehmet Numan Tamer, Erkan Cüre, et al

Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism.

RCTn = 21Hormone Health

RCT involving 21 female hirsute patients, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome and idiopathic hirsutism, who consumed spearmint tea twice daily for 5 days. The study found a significant decrease in free testosterone and an increase in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol, suggesting spearmint's potential as an antiandrogenic treatment for mild hirsutism.

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2006·Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology·Natsuyo Yamamoto, Yousuke Nakai, Naoki Sasahira, et al

Efficacy of peppermint oil as an antispasmodic during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

RCTn = 40

RCT investigating peppermint oil as an antispasmodic during ERCP. Forty patients were assigned to different groups based on peppermint oil concentration and administration site. Peppermint oil reduced duodenal motility effectively, allowing successful ERCP in 91.4% of patients without serious complications.

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2003·Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics·K J Goerg, Th Spilker

Effect of peppermint oil and caraway oil on gastrointestinal motility in healthy volunteers: a pharmacodynamic study using simultaneous determination of gastric and gall-bladder emptying and orocaecal transit time.

RCTn = 12Gut Health

Pharmacodynamic study of peppermint oil and caraway oil on gastrointestinal motility in 12 healthy volunteers. Peppermint oil significantly prolonged orocaecal transit time and both oils inhibited gall-bladder emptying, indicating a relaxing effect on the gall-bladder.

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2002·Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics·George K Dresser, Vincent Wacher, Susan Wong, et al

Evaluation of peppermint oil and ascorbyl palmitate as inhibitors of cytochrome P4503A4 activity in vitro and in vivo.

RCTn = 12

The study evaluated the effect of peppermint oil and ascorbyl palmitate on CYP3A4 activity and felodipine bioavailability in vitro and in vivo. Peppermint oil and its constituents showed reversible inhibition of CYP3A4 activity in vitro. In a crossover study with 12 volunteers, peppermint oil increased the AUC of felodipine, suggesting increased bioavailability, while ascorbyl palmitate did not affect felodipine pharmacokinetics.

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2001·Arzneimittel-Forschung·H Mascher, C Kikuta, H Schiel

Pharmacokinetics of menthol and carvone after administration of an enteric coated formulation containing peppermint oil and caraway oil.

RCTn = 16

A randomized, two-period cross-over study in 16 healthy male volunteers compared the pharmacokinetics of menthol and carvone after oral administration of enteric coated and immediate release formulations of peppermint oil and caraway oil. The study found comparable bioavailability between the two formulations, with differences in Tmax for both menthol and carvone.

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2000·Phytotherapy research : PTR·G H Micklefield, I Greving, B May

Effects of peppermint oil and caraway oil on gastroduodenal motility.

RCTn = 6

The study investigated the effects of enteric-coated and non-enteric-coated preparations containing peppermint and caraway oil on gastroduodenal motility in six healthy volunteers. Both preparations affected the migrating motor complex, mainly decreasing the number of contractions and contraction amplitudes. Non-enteric-coated preparations had effects during the first MMC, while enteric-coated preparations had delayed effects during the second MMC.

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1997·Journal of gastroenterology·J H Liu, G H Chen, H Z Yeh, et al

Enteric-coated peppermint-oil capsules in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective, randomized trial.

RCTn = 110Gut Health

Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of enteric-coated peppermint-oil capsules (Colpermin) in 110 outpatients with irritable bowel syndrome. Colpermin significantly alleviated symptoms such as abdominal pain, distension, stool frequency, borborygmi, and flatulence compared to placebo.

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2023·Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)·Izabela Fecka, Katarzyna Bednarska, Adam Kowalczyk

In Vitro Antiglycation and Methylglyoxal Trapping Effect of Peppermint Leaf (L.) and Its Polyphenols.

In vitro

The study evaluated the ability of peppermint leaf dry extract and its polyphenols to inhibit non-enzymatic protein glycation in vitro using a model with bovine serum albumin and methylglyoxal. Peppermint polyphenols were confirmed to inhibit glycation and form adducts with methylglyoxal, with eriocitrin and other components contributing significantly to the anti-AGE activity.

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1996·Arzneimittel-Forschung·B May, H D Kuntz, M Kieser, et al

Efficacy of a fixed peppermint oil/caraway oil combination in non-ulcer dyspepsia.

RCTn = 45Gut Health

Double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial of Enteroplant, a combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil, in 45 patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. The treatment group showed significant improvements in pain intensity and global clinical impression compared to placebo after four weeks. The combination was well tolerated with minimal adverse events.

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1996·Der Nervenarzt·H Göbel, J Fresenius, A Heinze, et al

[Effectiveness of Oleum menthae piperitae and paracetamol in therapy of headache of the tension type].

RCTn = 41

RCT comparing the effectiveness of 10% peppermint oil in ethanol solution to acetaminophen and placebo in treating tension-type headaches. Peppermint oil significantly reduced headache intensity after 15 minutes, with effects lasting over an hour. No significant difference in efficacy between peppermint oil and acetaminophen. No adverse events reported.

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1994·Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache·H Göbel, G Schmidt, D Soyka

Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimetric headache parameters.

RCTn = 32Mental Clarity Stress

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study in 32 healthy subjects investigating the effects of peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and headache parameters. The combination of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and ethanol increased cognitive performance and had muscle-relaxing and mentally relaxing effects, with little influence on pain sensitivity. A significant analgesic effect was observed with peppermint oil and ethanol.

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2026·Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)·Mihaela Afrodita Dan, Marina Ionela Nedea, Emma Adriana Ozon, et al

Antioxidant, Photoprotective, and Antimicrobial Potential of Oil Extract ofL. F.H.Wigg from Călimani Mountains, Romania.

In vitroSkin Hair Health

The study investigates the bioactive properties of an oil extract enriched with 5% peppermint oil and 10% vitamin E in jojoba oil. The extract demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity, satisfactory UVB protection, and significant antimicrobial effects, supporting its use in skin protective formulations.

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