Menthacarin in functional gastrointestinal disorders: a pharmacy-based cohort study

Functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are among the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) and often treated by self-medication.
To gain insights into experienced effects and tolerability of pharmacy-supported self-medication with Menthacarin, a proprietary specified combination of essential oils from Mentha x piperita L. (90 mg WS^® 1340) and Carum carvi L. (50 mg WS^® 1520), in pharmacy customers suffering from FGID.
The study was designed as a prospective, observational, multicenter, pharmacy-based cohort study in pharmacy customers suffering from dyspeptic complaints, particularly with mild cramps in the gastrointestinal tract, bloating, and fullness, who were routinely recommended the commercially available preparation of Menthacarin. Occurrence and severity of 13 dyspeptic symptoms were assessed by the modified Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS). Patient satisfaction and tolerability were evaluated.
50 customers (mean age 53.8 years) were recruited. After 3 weeks, GSRS total score was reduced from 48.6 ± 17.1 to 22.8 ± 12.3 points (p < 0.001). In 68.7% of the participating customers, an improvement occurred within the first week of Menthacarin administration. Greatest improvements were noted for abdominal pain, bloating, and impression of fullness. At study end, 83.3% reported general health state improvement. 44.9% rated the perceived effects as “very good” or “good”, 30.6% as “satisfactory”. Tolerability was rated as “very good” or “good” by 83.3% of customers and 87.7% of pharmacists.
These findings suggest the satisfactory and safe applicability of Menthacarin in pharmacy-supported self-medication of pharmacy customers suffering from dyspeptic and IBS-related complaints due to FGID.

Impact statement
The results of this pharmacy-based cohort study (a) show significant improvement in symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as abdominal pain and bloating, and improved overall health status after 3 weeks of observational treatment, with improvement in pharmacy customers occurring already after one week of taking Menthacarin, and (b) suggest the satisfactory and safe applicability of Menthacarin in pharmacy-supported self-medication of pharmacy customers suffering from dyspeptic and irritable-bowel-syndrome-related complaints due to functional gastrointestinal disorders.