St. John's wort for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: reminders of the Hippocratic Oath.

摘要

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with alterations in bowel habits (Gas-troenterology 2.006;130:1480-1491). It afflicts 7%-10% of the world's population and its impact on health-related quality of life and financial expenditures is substantial (Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005;22:935-942).