Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chen pi (aged dried tangerine peel) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a remedy for digestive complaints, including symptoms now recognized as characteristic of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)—such as bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. In TCM, chen pi is believed to regulate "qi" (vital energy) in the digestive tract, resolve dampness, and relieve stagnation, which are thought to underlie many gastrointestinal disorders. Its use is often combined with other herbs in formulas designed to harmonize the stomach and alleviate discomfort.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited but emerging evidence suggesting that chen pi may exert certain pharmacological effects relevant to IBS, such as modulating gut motility, reducing smooth muscle spasms, and possessing mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some animal studies and in vitro research have demonstrated these effects, primarily attributed to bioactive compounds like flavonoids (e.g., hesperidin and nobiletin). However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating chen pi for IBS are lacking, and current evidence does not meet the standards of modern evidence-based medicine. Therefore, while its use for IBS is justified by tradition and some preliminary pharmacological data, more rigorous research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this purpose.

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