Effects of a Nutraceutical Multicompound, with Probiotics, Hericium, PEA, and Undaria in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal condition. Probiotics and other nutraceutical compounds can have specific indications in the context of IBS. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 123 IBS patients in order to evaluate the effects of an oral probiotic-based dietary supplement (Colicron, one cps/day for 4 wk) on stool consistency and pain intensity. Different time points were defined as follows: baseline (T0), 2 wk of treatment (T2), and 4 wk of treatment (T4). Stool consistency was assessed by using the Bristol Stool Scale. Pain intensity was evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients who were initially categorized as normal retained regular bowel movements throughout the study. Both patients with constipation and diarrhea showed an improvement in the Bristol Stool Scale. The score increased from 1.5 ± 0.5 to 3.3 ± 0.7 (p < 0.001) and decreased from 6.5 ± 0.7 to 4.3 ± 0.9 (p < 0.001) at T4, respectively, compared to T0. The VAS score for pain in the pooled IBS patients improved from 6.7 ± 2.2 to 2.8 ± 1.9 at T0 vs T4 (p < 0.001), with a similar trend also observed when patients were categorized based on stool consistency: normal (from 5.2 ± 1.9 to 2.9 ± 1.7), constipation (from 7.5 ± 1.3 to 3.2 ± 2.2), and diarrhea (6.7 ± 2.3 to 2.5 ± 1.9) (p < 0.001).

Colicron could be useful in symptom relief, reducing abdominal pain and improving stool consistency of IBS patients. However, further controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Keywords:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• nutraceutical formulation
• probiotics

Disclosure statement

The authors Linda Balestrini, Giulia Della Scala, Lucia Chico are employed by the company Laboratori Aliveda Srl, Crespina Lorenzana, Pisa, Italy. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Antonio Romano,

Dr. Antonio Romano graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Pisa in 1998. He specialized in Gastroenterology in 2002, further attaining expertise through additional post-graduated master in “Biomedical Research Methodology” and “Interventional Ultrasound.” Renowned as an opinion leader in Italian gastroenterology, he lectures at national and international conferences, sharing insights in gastroenterology, hepatology, and abdominal ultrasound, drawing from extensive daily practice and continuous professional development.

Linda Balestrini,

Linda Balestrini is employed at Laboratori Aliveda since 2015, where she always dealt with R&D, clinical trials, scientific publications, training to the sales field forces and quality control. Now she fills the role of Medical Director and quality management system manager. She achieved a PhD in molecular biotechnology and a a bachelor degree in molecular and cellular biology at Pisa University.

Giulia Della Scala,

Giulia Della Scala is employed at Laboratori Aliveda in the Medical Direction, where she supports the research and development of new products, supervision of clinical studies, scientific publications, training to the sales on the field and all the industrial aspects related to the quality control and quality systems. She achieved a PhD in Food Microbiology and She has been working in R&D in food-related company since 2015.

Lucia Chico,

Lucia Chico is employed at Laboraotori Aliveda in the Medical direction, where she supports the R&D department, supervision of clinical trial, training to the sales on the field and pre-clinical experiments. She achieved a PhD in Neuroscience and Endocrinometabolic Science and a a bachelor degree in Neurobiology at Pisa University.

Alessio Bertini,

Dr. Alessio Bertini, born on 13/09/57, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Florence in 1984. He specialized in “Pediatrics” in 1989 and later in “Swimming and Underwater Medicine” in 1994. Working in Prato, he is associated with ASL Toscana Centro.

Matilde Cangioli,

Dr. Matilde Cangioli, born on 08/04/85, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Florence in 2013. Working in Pistoia, she is associated with ASL Toscana Centro.

Federico Ciapparelli,

Dr. Federico Ciapparelli, born on 08/05/87, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Pisa in 2015. Working in the province of Livorno, he is affiliated with ASL Toscana Nord Ovest.

Enzo Ciardella,

Dr. Enzo Ciardella, born on 12/10/1978, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Pisa in 2004. Working in the province of Pisa, he is affiliated with ASL Toscana Nord Ovest.

Claudia Congestrí,

Dr. Claudia Congestri, born on 28/05/88, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Pisa in 2015. Working in the province of Pisa, she is affiliated with ASL Toscana Nord Ovest.

Valentina Dinelli,

Dr. Valentina Dinelli, born on 30/06/86, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Pisa in 2013. Working in Lucca, she is affiliated with ASL Toscana Nord Ovest.

Fabio Donati,

Dr. Fabio Donati, born in Pisa on 05/07/93, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Pisa in 2018. Working in the province of Pisa, he is associated with ASL Toscana Nord Ovest.

Massimo Ficini,

Dr. Massimo Ficini, born on 31/01/1956, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Pisa in 1982, specializing in “Occupational Medicine” in 1987. He practices in Livorno, affiliated with ASL Toscana Nord-ovest.

Cecilia Giovanetti,

Dr. Cecilia Giovanetti, born on 08/01/92, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Pisa in 2017. Practicing in Livorno, she is affiliated with ASL Toscana Nord Ovest.

Federico Nannicini,

Dr. Federico Nannicini, born on 9/01/1967, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Pisa in 1992. He practices in Prato, associated with ASL Toscana Centro.

Alessandro Pasquali,

Dr. Alessandro Pasquali, born on 27/08/1955, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Florence in 1981, currently practicing in Pistoia, affiliated with ASL Toscana Centro.

Andrea Pieraccini,

Dr. Andrea Pieraccini, born on 17/6/72, graduated in Medicine and Surgery from Pisa in 1989. He practices in Pistoia, affiliated with ASL Toscana Centro.