Using peppermint oil to treat bladder pain syndrome
Efficacy of Peppermint Oil in a Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial in Women With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
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 |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Louisville Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Louisville, Kentucky) |
| Trial ID | NCT04845217 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with IC/BPS for at least one month.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Louisville, Kentucky
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.