Clin Sci (Lond). 2003 Jun; 104(6): 547-56.

Bioactive natural compounds for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Ghosh S, Playford RJ.

Department of Gastroenterology, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, U.K.

Many healthy subjects and patients are taking natural bioactive products for the prevention and treatment of multiple conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders. Based on current evidence, the scientific validity of the use of many of these commercial compounds by the general public is severely limited, with quality control and regulatory issues continuing to be a concern. Nevertheless, there is sufficient preliminary data to warrant further research of these products in order to identify novel compounds for potential clinical use in addition to performing formal randomized controlled clinical trials of the commercial preparations.