ABSTRACT:

An experimental study was conducted in 50 subjects to test the efficacy of Stone Apple fruit (Aegle marmelos) powder intervention in reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. There were 22 females and 28 males aged between 20-60 years, who had increased frequency of motion, abdominal pain, mucous in stools, gas formation, anorexia, irritability, painful defaecation and others. Psychological symptoms included depression, lack of concentration, insomnia, stress. These patients were dispensed powder of dried unripe fruit of Stone apple at a dose of 5 gms powder with 150 ml of buttermilk twice daily, for 15 days along with ayurvedic medication for psychological support. At the end of 15 days most of the patients had relief from the symptoms. The average relief was moderate with percentage ranging from 42%-64%, given the period study being short. These results indicate that Stone apple Fruit powder supplementation gives good relief from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. No side effects or undesirable events were seen in any of the participants.