IJ
IJCRM
International Journal of Contemporary Research in Multidisciplinary
ISSN: 2583-7397
Open Access • Peer Reviewed
Impact Factor: 5.67

International Journal of Contemporary Research In Multidisciplinary, 2026;5(4):689-698

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Approach to Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Comprehensive Narrative Review with Clinical Practice Perspectives

Author Name: Dr. Jayesh Ramkrishna Badgujar;   Dr. Rajlaxmi Jayesh Badgujar;  

1. BHMS, MD Homoeopathy (Practice of Medicine), CCH, CGO, PGDEMS Assistant Professor, Department of Practice of Medicine, Dhanvantari Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital & Research Centre, Kamtawade, Nashik, Maharashtra, India

2. BHMS, MD (Paediatric), CCH, CGO, CSD, CMD - Nirmala Homoeopathic Clinic, Nashik. Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs), recently redefined as Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction (DGBIs) according to the Rome IV criteria, comprise a heterogeneous group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders characterised by persistent digestive symptoms in the absence of identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities. These disorders affect nearly 40% of the global population and significantly impair quality of life, healthcare utilisation, and socioeconomic productivity. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of the gut–brain axis, altered gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, intestinal microbiota imbalance, immune activation, and psychosocial factors contribute synergistically to disease pathogenesis. Despite advances in conventional management, therapeutic responses remain variable, encouraging exploration of individualised and integrative approaches, including homoeopathy.

Objective: To critically review current knowledge regarding functional gastrointestinal disorders and evaluate the clinical perspectives, therapeutic principles, and potential role of individualised homoeopathic treatment within contemporary evidence-based clinical practice.

Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed literature published in English from major biomedical databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. International clinical guidelines, Rome IV consensus documents, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, observational studies, and classical homoeopathic literature were critically synthesised. The review focuses on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, conventional management, homoeopathic therapeutic principles, available clinical evidence, and future research directions.

Results: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are increasingly recognised as complex biopsychosocial disorders involving multidirectional interactions between the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Current management combines dietary modification, pharmacotherapy, psychological interventions, microbiome-directed therapies, and lifestyle optimisation. Individualised homoeopathic therapeutics emphasise comprehensive patient assessment, constitutional prescribing, and holistic symptom evaluation. Although several clinical studies have reported symptomatic improvement following individualised homoeopathic treatment, methodological heterogeneity, limited sample sizes, and inconsistent outcome measures restrict definitive conclusions regarding efficacy.

Clinical Practice Perspectives: An integrative model combining evidence-based conventional management with individualised homoeopathic care may provide additional therapeutic options for carefully selected patients, particularly those with chronic, recurrent, or treatment-resistant symptoms. Shared clinical decision-making, standardised diagnostic evaluation, and appropriate referral pathways remain fundamental to safe integrative practice.

Conclusion: Functional gastrointestinal disorders continue to present substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Individualised homoeopathic therapeutics may offer complementary benefits within a multidisciplinary patient-centred framework; however, robust multicentre randomised controlled trials employing standardised diagnostic criteria and validated patient-reported outcome measures are required before firm clinical recommendations can be established.

Keywords

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction, Rome IV Criteria, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Functional Dyspepsia, Gut–Brain Axis, Visceral Hypersensitivity, Integrative Medicine, Individualised Homoeopathy, Evidence-Based Practice.