Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the stomach and intestines. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and changes in bowel habits, which may reduce a person's quality of life. Many people with IBS do not achieve complete symptom relief with standard treatments.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a standardized Boswellia extract, combined with structured patient education, can help improve IBS symptoms and quality of life. Boswellia is a herbal extract that may help reduce inflammation and digestive discomfort.
In this study, 60 adults aged 18-39 years with moderate IBS were enrolled at Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. Participants received 500 mg of standardized Boswellia extract twice daily for 30 days and attended educational sessions about IBS self-management, including symptom control and healthy lifestyle practices.
Researchers evaluated abdominal pain, bloating, bowel habits, other gastrointestinal symptoms, and quality of life at the start of the study, after one week, and after one month to determine whether the intervention improved IBS symptoms and daily functioning.