CLINICAL TRIALS-DIGESTIVE DISORDERS
Artichoke-Leaves from the globe artichoke have a long historical use as a digestive aid and liver remedy. Artichoke leaf extract has been shown to increase bile acid output, improve digestion, and lower blood lipids.
Experimental Study- 553 patients with non-specific digestive disorders ace. age 54.2 years were studied. The most prominent disorders were dyspeptic discomforts, functional biliary colic, and severe constipation. These disorders had been present an average of 155 weeks. They received an average daily dose of 4.75 capsules, each containing 320 mg. of standardized, aqueous dry extract of artichoke leafs, typically taken 1-2 caps daily 3 times daily for 6 weeks. Symptoms regressed an average of 70.5 per cent; the most pronounced regression was found for vomiting (88.3%), nauseas (82.4%), abdominal pain (76.2%), loss of appetite (72.3%), constipation (71%), flatulence (68.2%), and fat intolerance 58.8%. In 85% of pts. the global therapeutic efficacy of artichoke extract was judged by physicians as excellent or good.
(Fintrlmann V. Antidyspeptic and lipid-lowering effects of artichoke leaf extract J Gen Med 2:3-19,1996).
"Enteric-Coated Peppermint-Oil Capsules in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Trial," LiuJ-H, Chen G-H, Yeh H-Z, et al, J Gastroenterol, 1997;32:765-768.
SUMMARY: In 110 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (66 men and 44 women who were between 18 and 70 years of age), patients took 1 Colpermin enteric-coated peppermint oil capsule, which contained 187 mg. of peppermint oil in a thixotropic gel, or 1 capsule containing an inert oil, 3 to 4 times daily, 15-30 minutes before meals for 4 weeks in a double-blind trial. Seventy-nine per cent of those taking Colpermin had alleviation of a severity of abdominal distension;83% had less abdominal distension: 83% had reduced stool frequency; and 79 per cent had less flatulence. In the placebo group 43% had reduced pain, 29% had reduced distension; 32% had reduced stool frequency; and 22% had less flatulence.
ARTICLE: "The Biological Activity of Bovine Cartilage Preparations," Prudden JF, Balassa LL, Semin Arthritis Rheum, Summer, 1974;3(4):287-321.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE-COLITIS
Summary: Bovine Cartilage (Catrix), in ulcerative colitis at an oral dose of 3g, 4 times daily has shown benefit.
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA.
Herbal bitters have a long history as a digestive aid and tonic. I used a formula in the Rio Grande Valley containing orange peel, gentian, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. Results with about 75 elderly Mexicans were good to excellent (100%) for abroad range of digestive disorders, including heartburn, constipation, flatulence, and vomiting. David Bauman N.D,