Chinese Herbal Medicine for Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) can be managed with fiber, hydration, laxatives, and pharmacologic agents such as lubiprostone, linaclotide, and colchicine; however, patients with incomplete responses sometimes turn to alternative medicines. In a 13-center, double-blind trial in Australia, investigators evaluated a capsule that they developed containing a standardized, validated formulation of seven Chinese herbs. In all, 125 participants were randomized to receive five capsules or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks.

Self-reported adequate symptom relief (the primary endpoint) occurred in 61% of the herbal medicine group and 44% of the placebo group (P=0.06; number needed to treat [NNT], 6). In per-protocol analysis, r…