Digestion. 2015;92(1):22-31. doi: 10.1159/000398790. Epub 2015 Jun 5.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM:
Irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) is a frequent gastrointestinal disorder, with only
limited evidence regarding self-management approaches. This study
tested the efficacy of caraway oil poultices (CarO) for treating IBS.
METHODS:
This
randomized controlled open-label cross-over trial included three
treatment periods with hot CarO and hot olive oil poultice (OlivH) or
nonheated poultices (OlivC) with olive oil as control interventions.
Patients applied each intervention daily for 3 weeks. The primary
outcome was symptom severity (IBS-SSS); secondary outcomes included
responder rates (improvement ≥ 50 IBS-SSS), quality of life (EQ-5D,
IBS-QOL), psychological distress (HADS), adequate relief, and safety.
RESULTS:
48
patients with IBS were included (40 females, 53.9 ± 14.4 years). A
significant difference was found for symptom severity in favor of CarO
compared to OlivC (difference -38.4, 95% CI -73.6, -3.1, p = 0.033), but
not compared to OlivH (difference -24.3, 95% CI -56.5, 7.9, p = 0.139).
Responder rates were highest for CarO compared to OlivH and OlivC
(43.9, 20.0, 18.9%, respectively). Within the CarO, 51.8% reported
adequate relief compared to 23.5% (OlivH) and 25.8% (OlivC). One adverse
event (gastrointestinal infection) was reported during CarO.
CONCLUSION:
Hot
caraway oil poultices appear effective and safe, although their effects
may be a result of the heat application. Patients reported highest
levels of subjective benefit from caraway oil poultices, making their
use appropriate in the self-management of IBS.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT01418053.
© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.
