An inexpensive pantry staple found in many grocery stores could offer relief for people struggling with bloating and sudden trips to the bathroom, according to a new study.
Scientists examined how ferulic acid may affect irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), two gut-related conditions often linked to disrupted intestinal movement and uncomfortable digestive symptoms.
Normally, the intestines move food and waste through the digestive tract using rhythmic, wave-like muscle contractions known as peristalsis. Those contractions are triggered in part by calcium signals that tell the gut muscles when to squeeze.
When that process falls out of balance, digestion can become difficult. If the gut moves too slowly or the muscles fail to contract strongly enough, constipation, cramping and abdominal discomfort can follow.
But when the intestines become overactive and contract too often, the result can be diarrhea, gas, bloating and an urgent need for frequent bowel movements.
However, researchers found that ferulic acid, an antioxidant found in whole grains and rice bran, may help regulate how the intestines move – particularly overactive intestines – because it interferes with how calcium enters intestinal muscle cells.
With less calcium entering the smooth muscle, contractions weaken, potentially helping to calm an overactive intestine and alleviating symptoms in people with diarrhea-predominant IBD or IBS.
Experts say ferulic acid could help calm an overactive gut by reducing intestinal contractions
Top food sources of ferulic acid include cereal bran and whole grains such as oats and barley. Rice bran is shown here
The study, published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, explained how researchers at Toho University tested their theory using smooth muscle samples from guinea pigs’ small intestines.
They exposed the muscle to chemicals in the body that normally cause the intestine to contract, such as acetylcholine, serotonin, histamine, and prostaglandins.
Once they added in ferulic acid, they noted it reduced the strength of contractions produced by these signals.
The effect was concentration-dependent: more ferulic acid produced a stronger inhibitory effect, which weakened the stomach movement.
It was also reversible – once the ferulic acid was removed, normal contractions returned.
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Additional experiments revealed why this occurs: ferulic acid specifically reduces calcium signals in the gut.
This could expand options for treatment or relieving symptoms in people with diarrhea-predominant IBS.
But the findings are not one-size-fits-all.
For people with constipation-predominant IBS, further slowing intestinal movement could make constipation and related symptoms worse.
Ferulic acid, an antioxidant found in whole grains and rice bran, could reduce symptoms from stomach disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Apples are among the many fruits and vegetables that have high levels of ferulic acid
Affecting up to one in 10 Americans, IBS has no cure but can be managed with dietary modifications, behavioral therapy and medications such as laxatives, fiber supplements, probiotics and low doses of certain antidepressants.
Ferulic acid is best known for its skincare benefits, helping slow visible skin aging, brighten skin, reduce redness, and boost other antioxidants.
Top food sources of ferulic acid that people can add to their diets for natural relief include cereal bran and whole grains such as oats and barley. Plain popcorn is also one of the richest snack sources of the compound.
Other fruits and vegetables containing ferulic acid include eggplant, carrots, broccoli, spinach, oranges, grapefruit, and apples.
A supplement is also available as a standalone pill for general wellness, while topical serums are available specifically for skincare.
One noted study limitation was the levels of ferulic acid used in the guinea pigs’ intestines were higher than blood concentrations typically reached through a normal diet.
Researchers suggested ferulic acid levels in the intestine could be higher because the compound from food comes into direct contact with the gut.