title: The treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with enteric-coated peppermint oil: a case report.
abstract: Recent investigations have shown that bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine is associated with a number of functional somatic disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. A number of controlled studies have shown that enteric-coated peppermint oil (ECPO) is of benefit in the treatment of IBS. However, despite evidence of strong antimicrobial activity, ECPO has not been specifically investigated for an effect on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). A case report of a patient with SIBO who showed marked subjective improvement in IBS-like symptoms and significant reductions in hydrogen production after treatment with ECPO is presented. While further investigation is necessary, the results in this case suggest one of the mechanisms by which ECPO improves IBS symptoms is antimicrobial activity in the small intestine.
authors.affiliation: Integrative Care Centre, 3600 Ellesmere Road, Unit 4, Toronto, ON M1C 4Y8, Canada.
authors.forename: Alan C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Logan
authors.forename: Tracey M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Beaulne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000382:microbiology*; D036142:Mentha piperita; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010938:Plant Oils; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated; C015424:peppermint oil