Xiaonan Xu,1 Yan Huang,1 Zhuolin Ma,2 Zhaoxia Liu1 

1First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Eye Hospital of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Zhaoxia Liu, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 26 heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, People’s Republic of China, Email hlj0451lzx@163.com

Abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The clinical manifestations of IBS include abdominal discomfort; irregular bowel movements; potential bleeding; and various symptoms associated with somatic, visceral, and psychiatric conditions. Presently, the diagnosis of IBS relies on symptomatology and the exclusion of other organic disorders, while treatment modalities include pharmacological interventions targeting primary symptoms, dietary modifications, and psychotherapy. Although the underlying mechanisms contributing to morbidity in IBS remain inadequately understood, potential etiological factors include increased epithelial cell permeability, biological irregularities, inflammation, visceral hypersensitivity, genetic and epigenetic influences, and altered brain-gut interactions. IBS significantly diminishes the quality of life and imposes substantial burdens on patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare systems. Recent academic research has indicated that traditional Chinese medicine plays an increasingly significant role in IBS management. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating IBS, focusing on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disorder, to provide insights into a promising complementary approach for managing IBS, with potential applications in clinical practice to improve symptom management and patient quality of life. Further research into the specific mechanisms of TCM in IBS treatment could pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: IBS, abdominal pain, diarrhea, defecation disorder, TCM