Clinical and physiological evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine for constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome [ 2008 - 2012 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Alan Bensoussan (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr John Kellow

Brief description This innovative study examines the effectiveness, safety and mechanisms of action of a complex Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is the most common chronic medical disorder of the digestive tract with 10% prevalence in the Australian population. Characterised by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, it significantly affects quality of life and has major socioeconomic implications. IBS is increasingly recognized as a complex multi-factorial condition with psychogenic, hormonal and immune components. It is poorly addressed by current pharmaceutical treatments. Medical treatment of IBS remains unsatisfactory, with incomplete benefits offered by a single drug approach. The multi-factorial nature of IBS renders it an ideal candidate for evaluation with a more complex mix of low dose agents offered by herbal medicine. Specifically, CHMs by their complex chemical nature have substantial potential in the treatment of IBS because of their range of physiological effects on both bowel function and the central nervous systems We will perform a clinical trial of 8 weeks to determine the effectiveness of a chemically standardised CHM preparation in 160 patients with constipation predominant IBS patients compared to an identical placebo (sham). This project builds on our previous studies that demonstrated an effectiveness of CHM for IBS superior to current interventions. We’ve validated methods to ensure chemical standardisation of herbal medicines; validated approaches to psychosocial assessment of cognitive and behavioural changes in IBS patients; and have validated physiological, mechanistic evaluation of the lower bowel in response to treatment. The significance of the current proposal lies in its ability to provide a standardised, multi-component CHM (8 herbs) for the comprehensive clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this type of therapy for IBS, and to provide insight into the relevant mechanisms of action. This project draws together the unique skills and previous studies from the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research (UWS), and the Gastrointestinal Investigation Unit of RNSH, USYD. This innovative project is medically important because it addresses a common gastrointestinal disorder with high socioeconomic implications for which conventional western medicine has failed to produce a cure or adequate palliative treatment.

Funding Amount $AUD 592,705.60

Funding Scheme NHMRC Strategic Awards

Notes Complimentary and Alternative Medicines