Analytical Method Validation and Quality Control of a Seven-Herb Chinese Medicine Formulation Used for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation.

There is a need for increased QC of complex herbal medicine formulations to ensure product consistency, efficacy, and safety. This study reports an HPLC with photodiode array and electrospray ionization-tandem MS method for quantifying selected analytes in a seven-herb formulation. Fourteen analytes were selected for quantification based on the criteria available from the Herbal Chemical Marker Ranking System, which takes into account the bioavailability, reported bioactivity, and physiological action related to its intended use, as well as commercial availability of the standard.

Efficacy of a Chinese Herbal Medicine in Providing Adequate Relief of Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background & Aims: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common chronic functional bowel disorder, with few treatment options. IBS affects 10%-20% of the population; as many as 58% of patients have constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C). We evaluated efficacy and safety of a standardized, specifically formulated Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) preparation in treatment of patients with IBS-C.