J Melzer1, W Rösch, J Reichling, R Brignoli, R Saller. 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Complementary Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. joerg.melzer@usz.ch
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite a long-standing use of herbal drugs with dyspeptic symptoms, little attention has been paid to their clinical evaluation. AIM: To assess efficacy and safety of the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (containing, e.g. Iberis, peppermint, chamomile) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Research in electronic databases, consultation of experts and of the producer identified STW 5 (Iberogast) as descriptor in six randomized-controlled trials. The raw data of three placebo-controlled studies which met the selection criteria, were reanalysed and pooled for meta-analysis; one reference-controlled study supported the safety analysis (STW 5: n = 199, control: n = 198). RESULTS: Pooled data showed verum (n = 138) to be more effective than placebo (n = 135) with regard to the severity of the most bothersome gastrointestinal symptom (P-value: 0.001, odds ratio: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.47). A fourth randomized-controlled trial showed no significant difference between STW 5 and cisapride. As to safety, adverse events were similar with verum and placebo; no serious adverse events occurred. DISCUSSIONS: From the point of view of efficacy and safety, the herbal medicinal product STW 5 appears to be a valid therapeutic option for patients seeking phytotherapy for their symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
BACKGROUND: Despite a long-standing use of herbal drugs with dyspeptic symptoms, little attention has been paid to their clinical evaluation. AIM: To assess efficacy and safety of the herbal drug preparation STW 5 (containing, e.g. Iberis, peppermint, chamomile) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. METHODS: Research in electronic databases, consultation of experts and of the producer identified STW 5 (Iberogast) as descriptor in six randomized-controlled trials. The raw data of three placebo-controlled studies which met the selection criteria, were reanalysed and pooled for meta-analysis; one reference-controlled study supported the safety analysis (STW 5: n = 199, control: n = 198). RESULTS: Pooled data showed verum (n = 138) to be more effective than placebo (n = 135) with regard to the severity of the most bothersome gastrointestinal symptom (P-value: 0.001, odds ratio: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.47). A fourth randomized-controlled trial showed no significant difference between STW 5 and cisapride. As to safety, adverse events were similar with verum and placebo; no serious adverse events occurred. DISCUSSIONS: From the point of view of efficacy and safety, the herbal medicinal product STW 5 appears to be a valid therapeutic option for patients seeking phytotherapy for their symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
Authors: Bret T Howrey; M Kristen Peek; Juliet M McKee; Mukaila A Raji; Kenneth J Ottenbacher; Kyriakos S Markides Journal: Gerontologist Date: 2015-04-29
Authors: Javier P Gisbert; Xavier Calvet; Juan Ferrándiz; Juan Mascort; Pablo Alonso-Coello; Mercè Marzo Journal: Aten Primaria Date: 2012-10-01 Impact factor: 1.137