The combination of L‐menthol and caraway oil does not affect gastric function but increases hunger in healthy subjects

• Published in: Neurogastroenterology and motility Vol. 36; no. 10; pp. e14880 - n/a
• Main Authors: Masuy, Imke, Verbeure, Wout, Ruilova Sosoranga, Emily, Tackoen, Julie, Mori, Hideki, Van Oudenhove, Lukas, Tack, Jan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Adult; appetite‐related sensations; caraway oil; Carum; Digestive system; Drug interaction; Essential oils; Fasting; Female; Gastric emptying; Gastric Emptying - drug effects; Gastric Emptying - physiology; gastric sensorimotor function; Gastrointestinal diseases; Gastrointestinal tract; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Hunger; Hunger - drug effects; Hunger - physiology; Male; Mentha piperita; Menthol; Menthol - administration & dosage; Menthol - pharmacology; peppermint oil; Phytotherapy; Plant Oils - administration & dosage; Plant Oils - pharmacology; Satiety; Single-Blind Method; Stomach - drug effects; Stomach - physiology; Young Adult; caraway oil; gastric sensorimotor function; appetite‐related sensations; peppermint oil
• ISSN: 1350-1925; 1365-2982; 1365-2982
• DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14880

Background The heterogeneous character of functional gastrointestinal disorders, recently renamed into disorders of gut‐brain interaction, makes finding effective treatment options challenging. Compared to synthetic drugs, phytotherapy can have broader pharmacological effects and is often better tolerated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of peppermint oil and caraway oil (POCO) on gastric function and symptom levels in 32 healthy subjects in a single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, randomized, parallel design. Methods Gastric emptying rate was assessed using a 13C‐breath test. Intragastric pressure was measured using high‐resolution manometry in fasted state and during intragastric infusion of a nutrient drink (350 mL or until full satiation). GI symptoms were rated on a 100 mm VAS. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Key Results POCO had no effect on intragastric pressure in fasted or fed state (p > 0.08 for all). No significant differences in gastric emptying rate were observed (p = 0.54). In the fasted state, a stronger increase in hunger and decrease in satiety were observed following POCO (p = 0.016 and p = 0.008, respectively). No differences in hunger and satiety were observed in the fed state (p > 0.31 for all). POCO induced less epigastric burning, bloating, and fullness (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions Acute POCO administration did not affect gastric function in healthy subjects, but increased fasted hunger ratings. The effects of POCO on gastric function and hunger sensations in patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction, and the contribution to symptom improvement, needs to be elucidated in future studies. Acute administration of a combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil (POCO) does not affect the gastric function (gastric emptying and intragastric pressure [IGP]) in healthy subjects but improves symptoms after meal intake. Additionally, POCO increases subjective hunger sensations and decreases satiety, which can be a valuable asset for patients with functional dyspepsia who experience loss of appetite.