Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIngredientsBenefitsResearchSafety and Side EffectsWho Should Not Take ItHow It’s Taken
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Benefits
Research
Safety and Side Effects
Who Should Not Take It
How It’s Taken
Research suggests that Iberogast, an over-the-counter herbal formulation, may ease the symptoms ofirritable bowel syndrome(IBS), such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It may also be used to help with symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD), like indigestion and abdominal pain.
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This article discusses the ingredients in Iberogast, as well as its effectiveness in managing the symptoms associated with IBS. It also covers its safety, including potential side effects, and who shouldn’t take it.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Iberogast Ingredients
Iberogast (known as STW 5 in research articles) is a liquid preparation that is comprised of nine herbs:
Health Benefits of 10 Healing Herbs
Iberogast Benefits
Research on Iberogast suggests that it supports healthy digestion through a variety of mechanisms.The bitter candytuft may be helpful in improving smooth muscle tone, while the other eight herbs appear to have antispasmodic properties. This double action explains why it is helpful for both functional dyspepsia and IBS.
Iberogast may also:
Medications Used to Treat IBS
Is Iberogast Clinically Proven?
In Europe, regulatory agencies have more stringent standards for herbal remedies than those in the United States. Such formulations must meet the same strict requirements as prescription medications. Thus, Iberogast has been extensively studied for its effectiveness and safety in promoting digestive health in both the upper and lower parts of the digestive tract.
Studies have found that:
Can IBS Cause Back Pain?
Is Iberogast Safe?
Typically, Iberogast side effects are rare. This is due, in part, to the fact that the formulation acts on the digestive tract, with little impact on the central nervous system.
Iberogast side effects may include:
Does Iberogast Cause Liver Damage?Iberogast is generally considered safe for long-term use.However, there have been occasional reports of drug-induced liver damage. In some cases, these symptoms resolved weeks after discontinuing Iberogast use.
Does Iberogast Cause Liver Damage?
Iberogast is generally considered safe for long-term use.However, there have been occasional reports of drug-induced liver damage. In some cases, these symptoms resolved weeks after discontinuing Iberogast use.
Is Iberogast Safe for Children?
Iberogast may be a safe and effective treatment for children with functional dyspepsia or IBS. In a study of 980 children ages three to 14 years old who were treated for one week with Iberogast:
Who Should Not Take Iberogast
As with any over-the-counter product, you should always check with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe for you to use. You absolutely should get your healthcare provider’s approval if you:
Dosage and How to Take It
Iberogast is a dark brown liquid that comes in a dark glass bottle with a dropper. It should be taken before or during a meal.
To use Iberogast, you should shake the bottle vigorously. Using the dropper, you will add the correct number of drops to a small glass of water or other liquid.
According to the manufacturer:
If you have skipped or missed a dose, wait until your next scheduled meal to take your next dose. If you think you have taken too much, you are unlikely to experience an overdose. However, you may still want to reach out to your healthcare provider.
If you, or your child, experience any negative side effects, stop using Iberogast and tell your healthcare provider.
Can You Take Iberogast Every Day?Yes, you can take Iberogast every day for as long as you need. It’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider if you plan on using Iberogast long-term.
Can You Take Iberogast Every Day?
Yes, you can take Iberogast every day for as long as you need. It’s always best to speak with your healthcare provider if you plan on using Iberogast long-term.
Summary
Iberogast is an OTC herbal product that is said to help with functional dyspepsia and IBS. Research suggests that it tends to be safe and effective for use in adults and children ages three and older. However, side effects are possible.
Iberogast is a liquid that should be taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Speak with your healthcare provider if you are interested in trying this product.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Fifi AC, Axelrod CH, Chakraborty P, Saps M.Herbs and spices in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders: A review of clinical trials.Nutrients. 2018;10(11). doi:10.3390/nu10111715
Raedsch R, Vinson B, Ottillinger B, Holtmann G.Early onset of efficacy in patients with functional and motility-related gastrointestinal disorders : A noninterventional study with Iberogast®.Wien Med Wochenschr. 2018;168(3-4):89-98. doi:10.1007/s10354-017-0578-y
Allescher HD, Abdel-aziz H.Mechanism of Action of STW 5 in Functional Dyspepsia and IBS: The Origin of Multi-Target.Dig Dis. 2017;35(1):18-24. doi:10.1159/000485456
Wang H, Bastian SEP, Howarth GS.Newly Developed Synbiotics and the Chemotherapy-Damaged Gut.Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine.2013;(18)3: 198-208. doi:10.1177/2156587213477864
Malfertheiner P.STW 5 (Iberogast) therapy in gastrointestinal functional disorders.Dig Dis. 2017;35(1):25-29. doi:10.1159/000485410
Ottillinger B, Storr M, Malfertheiner P, Allescher HD.STW 5 (Iberogast®)–a safe and effective standard in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.Wien Med Wochenschr. 2013;163(3-4):65-72. doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0169-x
Grundmann O, Yoon SL.Complementary and alternative medicines in irritable bowel syndrome: an integrative view.World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(2):346-62. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i2.346
Leroy A, Perrin H, Porret R, et al.Iberogast®-induced acute liver injury—a case report.Gastro Hep Advances. 2022;1(4):601-603. doi:10.1016/j.gastha.2022.02.020
Michael R, Bettina V, Eckehard L.Functional gastrointestinal disorders in children: Effectivity, safety, and tolerability of the herbal preparation STW-5 (Iberogast®) in general practice.Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2022;71:102873. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102873
Bayer.Iberogast.
Grundmann O, Yoon S.Complementary and alternative medicines in irritable bowel syndrome: An integrative view.World Journal of Gastroenterology.2014;20(2):346-62.Iberogast Consumer Brochure. June 2015.Madisch A, Holtmann G, Plein K, Hotz J.Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with herbal preparations: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial.Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.2004;19(3):271-9.Ottillinger B, Storr M, Malfertheiner P, Allescher A.STW 5 (Iberogast®)—a safe and effective standard in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders"Wien Med Wochenschr.2013;163(3-4):65-72.
Grundmann O, Yoon S.Complementary and alternative medicines in irritable bowel syndrome: An integrative view.World Journal of Gastroenterology.2014;20(2):346-62.
Iberogast Consumer Brochure. June 2015.
Madisch A, Holtmann G, Plein K, Hotz J.Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with herbal preparations: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial.Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.2004;19(3):271-9.
Ottillinger B, Storr M, Malfertheiner P, Allescher A.STW 5 (Iberogast®)—a safe and effective standard in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders"Wien Med Wochenschr.2013;163(3-4):65-72.
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