Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Review and Comparison with Animal and Clinical Studies
Resumo
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life. The use of medicinal plants in traditional Iranian medicine has a long-standing history in managing the symptoms of this condition. This study aimed to review and identify native medicinal plants employed in traditional Iranian medicine for the treatment of IBS and to compare traditional evidence with findings from preclinical, clinical, and animal model studies. This study was conducted as a systematic review of traditional Iranian medical texts. Sources included reference books on traditional medicine and herbal therapy, as well as relevant online databases and resources. The traditionally reported effects of medicinal plants were subsequently compared with data from preclinical studies and contemporary research findings. A wide range of medicinal plants has been used in the treatment of IBS, including Matricaria chamomilla L., Cuminum cyminum L., Mentha piperita L., Valeriana officinalis L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Melissa officinalis L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Aloe barbadensis Mill., Brassica oleracea L., Cynara scolymus L., Curcuma longa L., Daucus carota L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Hordeum vulgare L., Lens culinaris Medik., Avena sativa L., Linum usitatissimum L., Spinacia oleracea L., Ferula assa-foetida L., Quercus robur L., Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg., Urtica dioica L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Pimpinella anisum L., Cinnamomum verum J. Presl, Achillea millefolium L., Nigella sativa L., and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze. Native Iranian medicinal plants demonstrate considerable potential in alleviating the symptoms of IBS and may serve as complementary therapeutic options.
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