Enteric-Coated Peppermint Oil Versus Standard Antispasmodic in SLC6A4 (5-HTTLPR) Carriers With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Last updated: April 17, 2025
Sponsor: S.LAB (SOLOWAYS)
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Ibs)

Colic

Bowel Dysfunction

Treatment

Peppermint Oil

A standard antispasmodic

Clinical Study ID

NCT06914921
SW027
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This study is a non-inferiority, double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing enteric-coated peppermint oil with a standard antispasmodic (e.g., mebeverine) in adult IBS patients who carry at least one "S" allele in the SLC6A4 (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism. The primary goal is to see whether peppermint oil provides symptom relief (measured by IBS severity scores) that is not worse than the antispasmodic by more than a predefined margin (30 points on the IBS-SSS). Secondary goals include evaluating differences in abdominal pain, stool patterns, quality of life, and adverse event profiles, with a focus on peppermint oil's tolerability. About 224 participants (112 per arm) will be enrolled, with allowances for dropout, to detect non-inferiority at 80% power. After 12 weeks of treatment, results will inform whether peppermint oil is a viable, well-tolerated alternative to standard antispasmodics, especially in patients with heightened GI sensitivity linked to the SLC6A4 polymorphism.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adults aged 18-65 years.

  • Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Rome IV criteria, with at least moderateseverity (IBS-SSS ≥ 175).

  • SLC6A4 genotyping confirms at least one S allele (SS or SL).

  • Able and willing to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • L/L genotype of 5-HTTLPR.

  • Known organic GI diseases (e.g., IBD, celiac disease).

  • Severe/unstable comorbidities (e.g., cardiac, hepatic, or renal dysfunction).

  • Use of peppermint oil, antispasmodics, or investigational drugs within 30 days priorto enrollment.

  • . Known hypersensitivity to peppermint or mebeverine.

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Significant psychiatric illness that, in the investigator's judgment, mightinterfere with participation.

Study Design

Total Participants: 224
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Peppermint Oil
Phase:
Study Start date:
February 04, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
February 01, 2025

Study Description

This double-blind, parallel-group, non-inferiority RCT will randomize ~250 adults (18-65 y) who meet Rome IV criteria for IBS and carry at least one short 5-HTTLPR (SLC6A4) allele to enteric-coated peppermint-oil capsules (180 mg three times daily) or the standard antispasmodic mebeverine (135 mg three times daily) for 12 weeks. Because the S-allele reduces serotonin-transporter expression and heightens visceral sensitivity, the study targets a genetically defined subgroup in which menthol's smooth-muscle-relaxing calcium-channel blockade may yield clinically meaningful benefit with fewer anticholinergic effects. Randomisation (1 : 1) is web-based, stratified by genotype and centre, and treatments are packaged identically to maintain blinding of participants, investigators, and outcome assessors. The primary endpoint is change from baseline in the IBS Severity Scoring System at week 12; non-inferiority is met if the upper bound of the two-sided 95 % CI for the treatment difference (peppermint - mebeverine) is ≤ +30 points. A mixed-model repeated-measures analysis will be applied to both intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations, providing 80 % power with ~112 evaluable patients per arm. Secondary outcomes include abdominal-pain intensity, stool form, quality of life, global satisfaction, and adverse events; safety is tracked via weekly contacts, laboratory tests, and an independent data-safety monitoring board. Demonstrating that peppermint oil is at least as effective as mebeverine while better tolerated would support its use as a genotype-guided first-line therapy for IBS.

Connect with a study center

  • Center for New Medical Technologirs

    Novosibirsk, 630090
    Russian Federation

    Site Not Available

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