Back to the roots? Herbal extracts modulate peristaltic reflex of rat small intestine

Motility related disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are often treated with herbal extracts. STW 5 (Iberogast®), a fixed combination of herbal extracts with clinically proven efficacy in functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is used in Europe since decades for functional GI disorders. The mechanisms by which the herbal extracts induce the beneficial effects are known only in parts. Aim of the present study was to investigate whether the STW 5 and the individual herbal extracts influence the myenteric neuronal pathways underlying the peristaltic reflex of rat small intestine. The…