Accurate diagnosis of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) can be challenging due to symptom subjectivity and overlapping etiologies such as functional, structural, metabolic, and medication-related causes. Misinterpretation of symptoms and self-medication with over-the-counter laxatives may mask underlying conditions, delay appropriate treatment, and increase the risk of mismanagement. A thorough, systematic clinical approach—including detailed history-taking, use of validated criteria, and appropriate diagnostic testing—is essential to differentiate functional constipation from secondary causes and guide effective treatment.

In response to the limitations of conventional treatments, herbal remedies have garnered increasing attention for their potential to alleviate IBS-C symptoms. This systematic review identified and evaluated nine studies on various herbal interventions, including padma lax, Chinese herbal medicine, Persian herbal syrup, and others like kiwifruit and geraniol. While some demonstrated statistically significant improvements in bowel habits, symptom severity, and quality of life, issues such as small sample sizes, lack of standardization, and insufficient regulatory oversight remain major concerns. Overall, the findings suggest that herbal therapies may offer complementary symptom relief in IBS-C, but high-quality, large-scale trials are urgently needed to validate their efficacy and safety and inform clinical practice.

Reference: Chiarioni G, Popa SL, Ismaiel A, et al. Herbal Remedies for Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2023 Sep 29;15(19):4216. doi: 10.3390/nu15194216. PMID: 37836500; PMCID: PMC10574070.