The use of natural or herbal supplements may provide relief for the symptoms of various medical conditions; however, there is limited research support for their use. Echinacea capsules are capsules of an herbal plant that may help reduce some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including pain, inflammation, and diminished immune system functioning. However, no definitive medical trials have concluded that these capsules are safe for irritable bowel syndrome, so they should only be used with a doctor's supervision.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herbal plant used to treat cold and flu symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and cough. However, clinical trials on its usefulness for these symptoms are conflicting. It can also serve as a general means to enhance immune system functioning, fight infections, reduce pain and inflammation, and it provides antioxidant and antiviral effects. Historically, echinacea was used to treat all types of illnesses and infections, but its use declined with the introduction of antibiotics. The plant itself contains volatile oils, polysaccharides, alkamaides, glycoproteins and flavanoids. These chemicals are critical to the health benefits that echinacea provides.
Forms of Echinacea
Echinacea comes in the form of capsules, tablets, extracts, tinctures, ointments, or in combination with other medicinal herbs and minerals. Preparations of echinacea typically contain at least one of three species of the herb; Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, or Echinacea purpurea. However, some preparations of the drug do not contain the amounts of echinacea described on their labels, so the purchase of echinacea supplements should be made with caution and from established, well-known companies.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, commonly called IBS, tend to emerge before the age of 35 and are more common in women. Diagnosis of the disorder is not definitive, but requires ruling out other similar disorders and examining symptoms. Typically, individuals with IBS experience pain in the abdomen along with changes in bowel movements, relief following bowel movements, and/or changes in stool. Symptoms often worsen when individuals eat large meals, consume caffeine, experience stress, and have bloating from gas. Though no cause is known, it is thought that the intestines of individuals with IBS do not contract properly and that fluid in the colon is poorly regulated, leading to the muscles spasms, diarrhea, and constipation that these persons experience. The functioning of the immune system may also play a role.
Echinacea Effects on Digestive Health
While no research has specifically targeted the impact of echinacea on IBS, research has demonstrated the impact echinacea may have on digestive health. As described in the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics", one study found that echinacea can change the levels of bacteria in the digestive tract; however, it is not clear whether this bacteria could have harmful effects on health. According to an NBC Chicago report, another study at the University of Arkansas discovered that adults taking echinacea did demonstrate increased bacterial growth. While higher levels of bacteria in the intestines can lead to health concerns, there is no definitive evidence that this is the case echinacea. For individuals with a gastrointestinal disorder, such as IBS, use of an echinacea supplement should only be done under the supervision of and following consultation with a physician, as its impact on the intestinal system is still somewhat unknown.
