How a humble herb could finally bring an end to the misery of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

One of the most prevalent forms of chronic pain in Australia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) significantly impairs the quality of life of up to 20% of our population.

But thanks to the University of Adelaide’s Nerve-Gut research team, clinically effective relief may at last be in sight.

The group has been investigating the action of peppermint, anecdotally reported to ease the racking pain associated with IBS, yet previously medically unproven.

Employing a complex range of methodologies, the team has not only been able to show that peppermint does indeed soothe inflammatory pain in the gastrointestinal tract, but crucially has identified the specific mechanosensory channel through which it works.

In this important presentation, team leader Dr Stuart Brierley will present the findings and explain why IBS sufferers finally have cause for optimism.

Dr Stuart Brierley is a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Australian Biomedical Fellow. He is internationally recognised for his research into acute and chronic gastrointestinal pain, and was a 2011 South Australian Tall Poppy award winner.