Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Carvone is a naturally occurring monoterpene found in essential oils of plants such as caraway, dill, and spearmint. Its use for gas and bloating is supported by both traditional practice and scientific research, but the rating here reflects available clinical evidence. Traditionally, caraway and dill have been used for centuries in various cultures as carminatives—substances that help relieve flatulence and gastrointestinal discomfort. The active component, carvone, is thought to be responsible for these effects.

Scientific studies provide some validation for these traditional uses. Notably, clinical trials have investigated preparations containing caraway oil (with carvone as a major component) combined with peppermint oil for the treatment of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—conditions characterized by bloating and gas. These studies generally report significant symptom relief compared to placebo, with improvements in abdominal discomfort, pain, and bloating. The mechanism is believed to involve antispasmodic effects on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, reduction of gas formation, and modulation of gut motility.

However, most clinical trials use a combination of caraway and peppermint oil, so isolating the effects of carvone alone is difficult. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that carvone itself has spasmolytic and carminative properties, but high-quality, large-scale human studies focusing solely on carvone are limited. Overall, there is moderate evidence supporting carvone-containing preparations for gas and bloating, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and mechanism as a single agent.

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