What is Iberogast?

Iberogast is a prokinetic that is indicated for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia. It is a liquid formulation of 9 herbs, and has been clinically trialled in many clinical trials. It has sold over 5 million bottles in Germany the last year. Iberogast has been used by natural health practitioners, doctors and patients for 40 years.

Iberogast works by a complex mechanism due to the multitude of chemical constituents. The glucosinolates and cucurbitacins from clown's mustard are believed to be the most active components, but compounds provided by the other ingredients are thought to also play a role. Four main mechanisms have been identified:

-Stimulation of digestive secretions through interactions with the bitter receptors on the taste buds of the tongue.

-Regulation of peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction of the intestines) by exerting either a relaxing or stimulating effect on the intestinal smooth muscle.

-Protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines by stimulating the production of mucus by mast cells (mucus-producing cells of the stomach and intestines) as well as preventing the formation of inflammatory substances within the intestinal tract.

-Prevention of excessive flatulence by reducing the formation of intestinal gases.

Ingredients in Iberogast:

Bitter candytuft
The bitter candytuft is an indigenous, herbal, white blooming plant which belongs to the Cruciferae family. The fresh plant extract of Iberis amara represents the prokinetic component in Iberogast®. It increases the tone of smooth gastro-intestinal muscles and accelerates gastro-intestinal peristalsis (Strathmann, 1983; Okpanyi, 1993). Extracts of Iberis amara are only contained in the medicine Iberogast®.

Angelica roots
Angelica is a plant growing up to 2 m high and belongs to the Umbelliferae. The extract acts to promote digestion, to relieve cramps and to promote gastric juice production (monograph, 1990).

Camomile Flowers
The genuine camomile is an indigenous plant growing to up to 50 cm high and which belongs to the Compositae family. The extract is anti inflammatory, antibacterial, cramp relieving and promotes wound healing (monograph, 1990).

Caraway fruit
The genuine caraway is an indigenous, mostly biennial, 30 – 100 cm high plant belong-ing to the Umbelliferae. The extracts act in a microbicidal manner and relieve cramps (monograph, 1990). It improves the tolerability of flatulence promoting foods (e.g. cabbage, beans).

Milk thistle fruit
Milk thistle is a 60 – 150 cm high Compositae with large, purple red flower heads. The extract acts in an hepatoprotective manner and stimulates the regeneration of liver cells (monograph, 1986).

Lemon Balm leaves
The melissa plant belongs to the labiates, grows to 30 – 70 cm high and emanates a strong lemon odour. The extract acts as a seda-tive and in an anti-flatulent manner (monograph, 1990).

Peppermint leaves
The peppermint belongs to the labiates and is a 30 – 60 cm high plant which was first described in England in 1696. The extract acts in an anti-flatulent manner, relieves cramps and stimulates bile production (monograph, 1990).

Greater celandine
Greater celandine is a 30 - 70 cm high indigenous plant which belongs to the poppy family. The extract acts to relieve cramps in bile ducts and in the gastro-intestinal tract (monograph, 1985).

Licuorice roots
Liquorice is a perennial (up to 15 years), 1 – 2 cm high shrub which belong to the papil-ionaceous flower plants. The extract shows a cramp-relieving action and accelerates the healing of stomach ulcers (monograph, 1991).

Other Ingredients: alcohol 31%.

Contains No: sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring and preservatives. This product contains natural ingredients; color variations are normal.

Notes: Manufactured in Germany by Steigerwald GmbH

Caution: This product contains alcohol. The amount per dose is very small (less than 1/10th teaspoon). Use of this product above the labeled dosage is not recommended, especially by pregnant or nursing women, unless under the guidance of a health care practitioner.


Dosage for Iberogast:

Adults: take 20 drops three times daily.
Children age 6-12: take 15 drops three times daily.
Children age 3-6: take 10 drops three times daily.
Take before or during meals. Shake before using. Can be taken with your favorite drink (warm water is recommended).