Abstract

Very-Low-Absorbable Geraniol for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A "Real-World" Open-Label Study on 1585 Patients

Nutrients. 2025 Jan 17;17(2):328. doi: 10.3390/nu17020328.

Chiara Ricci 1Ilaria Maria Saracino 2Maria Chiara Valerii 3Renato Spigarelli 3Irene Bellocchio 3Enzo Spisni 3

 
     

Author information

1Gastroenterology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, University of Brescia, Piazza del Mercato 15, 25121 Brescia, Italy.

2Microbiology Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy.

3Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a very-low-absorbable geraniol formulation, administered as a food supplement, in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a real-world setting in Italy.

Methods: This open-label study was conducted in Italy on patients diagnosed with IBS and treated for 4 weeks with 240 mg/day of Palmarosa essential oil, absorbed on 960 mg of ginger root powder to obtain a very-low-absorbable geraniol formulation. Baseline characteristics, including demographic and symptoms were recorded using the IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS). After 28 ± 7 days, the patients were asked to complete the IBS-SSS questionnaire again. The primary objective was to confirm the effects of a very-low-absorbable geraniol formulation on self-reported symptoms of IBS and the quality of life of affected individuals. The secondary objective was to confirm the effect of the treatment on the different IBS subtypes.

Results: A total of 1585 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 44.8 years and 56.4% women. Following the 4-week supplementation period, significant decreases were observed in the patients' IBS-SSS (-67.9%) and all the primary IBS symptoms, such as abdominal distention (-82.3%), unsatisfaction with bowel habits (-46.2%), and interference with quality of life (QoL) (-64.9%) (all p < 0.01). The patients' stool type improved significantly. Treatment was effective in all IBS subtypes.

Conclusions: Treatment with very-low-adsorbable geraniol food supplement was associated with improvements in symptoms and bowel habits in all IBS subtypes in a real-world setting in Italy. These findings support the use of geraniol as an effective option for patients with IBS regardless of the disease subtype.

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