Synopsis

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

Peppermint leaf (Mentha × piperita) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for digestive complaints, including gas and bloating. Modern scientific research provides some support for these uses, particularly through studies of peppermint oil, which is more concentrated than the leaf but derived from the same plant. Peppermint contains compounds such as menthol that exert antispasmodic effects on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, helping to reduce spasms and ease the passage of gas.

Clinical trials have shown that enteric-coated peppermint oil can reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including bloating and flatulence. A meta-analysis published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2019) found that peppermint oil was significantly more effective than placebo for global improvement of IBS symptoms, which often include gas and bloating. The proposed mechanism involves relaxation of intestinal smooth muscle and reduction of excessive contractility. However, most studies focus on peppermint oil rather than the leaf itself, and the concentration of active compounds in peppermint leaf tea may be lower.

Overall, while traditional use and some scientific evidence support the use of peppermint leaf (and especially oil) for gas and bloating, the strength of evidence for the leaf form specifically is moderate. The evidence rating of 3 reflects promising but not definitive scientific support, with most robust data existing for the oil extract.

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