Using peppermint oil to treat bladder pain syndrome
Official title: Efficacy of Peppermint Oil in a Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial in Women With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
Run by University of Louisville · NCT04845217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if peppermint oil can help people with bladder pain syndrome feel better over eight weeks compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Louisville Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Louisville, Kentucky) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2021 |
| Main results expected | June 2023 |
| Study ends | December 2023 |
| Registry record updated | August 22, 2022 |
| Trial ID | NCT04845217 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with IC/BPS for at least one month.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent urinary tract infections, certain gastrointestinal conditions, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of peppermint oil as a treatment for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS). Participants will complete symptom questionnaires to establish baseline data before being randomly assigned to receive either peppermint oil or a placebo for eight weeks. The study aims to determine if peppermint oil can alleviate symptoms associated with this chronic condition. Follow-up assessments will be conducted to monitor changes in symptoms over the treatment period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, non-invasive option for managing bladder pain and discomfort in patients with IC/BPS.
How similar studies have gone: While peppermint oil has been explored in other contexts, this specific application for IC/BPS is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women ages 18-65 years old * Diagnosed with IC/BPS for at least one month prior to study enrollment Exclusion Criteria: * Culture proven urinary tract infection within 1 month of randomization * Gross hematuria * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding * Unable to speak and read English * History of allergic reaction to peppermint, coconut or enteric coating * History of malabsorption syndrome * History of gastroparesis * History of gastric bypass surgery * History of gastrointestinal, genitourinary or pelvic cancer in the last 5 years * History of insulin dependent diabetes * History of active urinary stone disease
Where it's running
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Springs Medical Center
Louisville, Kentucky, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sean Francis, MD — Department Chair
- Study coordinator: Jenna Warehime, DO
- Email: pepperminttrial@gmail.com
- Phone: 502-588-7660
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Evaluating a catheter-free method for bladder medication delivery
This study is testing a new way to deliver bladder medication without a catheter to see if it’s more comfortable and safer for people with conditions like interstitial cystitis and recurrent urinary tract infections.
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Treatment of bladder pain using VNX001
This study is testing a new treatment called VNX001 to see if it can help people with moderate to severe bladder pain feel better.
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Acupuncture for treating bladder pain syndrome in women
This study is testing if acupuncture, along with some behavior changes, can help women with bladder pain syndrome feel better when other treatments haven't worked.
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Assessing pain types in treating bladder pain syndrome
This study is trying to see how different types of bladder pain affect how well people with bladder pain syndrome respond to pelvic floor physical therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
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Using amniotic membrane therapy to treat interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome
This study is testing whether injections of amniotic membrane therapy can help people with interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome feel less pain and improve their urinary symptoms.
-
Evaluating VNX001 for bladder pain relief in patients with interstitial cystitis
This study is testing if a new treatment called VNX001 can help relieve bladder pain in people with interstitial cystitis better than its individual ingredients or a placebo.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.