Strawberry Tree Extract Possibly Beneficial in Ulcerative Colitis Management
Study Finds Potential in Mediterranean Plant Extract for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
A new study published in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that an extract from the Mediterranean plant known as the strawberry tree, or Arbutus unedo, could be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.
Ulcerative colitis is one of the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease, alongside Crohn's disease. Currently, there is no known cure for the condition, and treatment typically involves a combination of medications, dietary changes, and, in some cases, surgery. However, some nutrients are believed to help alleviate the disease's symptoms.
The study, conducted by researchers at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja at the University of Jendouba in Tunisia, focused on the impact of Arbutus unedo extract on ulcerative colitis in a mouse model. To determine the benefits, mice were given doses of the plant extract before being exposed to a chemical that induces ulcerative colitis.
According to the researchers, who were led by Soumaya Wahabi, PhD, pretreatment with the plant extract helped to prevent changes from occurring in the lining of the colon and decreased the development of colonic lesions when compared to mice who did not receive the extract.
Building on previous research that found the fruit and leaves of the strawberry tree to be high in antioxidants and to have antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, Wahabi and her team believe that the phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids (cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, syringic acid, and chlorogenic acid) and flavonoids (rutin, catechin, myricetin, naringenin, and quercetin), contained in the extract are likely responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects observed.
These compounds are known for their ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in the development of ulcerative colitis. By preventing damage to the colon lining and reducing lesions, the extract could provide a natural way to reduce inflammation and protect the gut.
Jillian Cohen, MD, DABFM, ABOIM, network medical director of Hackensack Meridian Health's Integrative Health and Medicine at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, commented that these findings are both promising and encouraging. Although this is early data in an animal model, Cohen emphasized that it highlights the potential for natural compounds to offer promising areas of study for the management of complex chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis.
Additionally, registered dietitian nutritionist Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, of Nutrition-In-Sight, suggested that people at risk for ulcerative colitis could eat foods rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and polyphenols to reap similar benefits, such as cabbage, garlic, broccoli, and leafy greens. A registered dietitian could personalize recommendations based on individual needs, current condition, and access to specific foods.
However, researchers plan to conduct further studies to better elucidate the exact mechanisms by which Arbutus unedo extract exerts its effects and evaluate its impact in human cell models before considering it a viable treatment option for ulcerative colitis.
In conclusion, this study offers hope that the strawberry tree extract could provide a natural, plant-based treatment for ulcerative colitis, offering potential benefits through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.
- With its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds found in the strawberry tree extract, like cinnamic acid and quercetin, could play a crucial role in managing ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Engaging in a diet rich in nutrition, specifically foods high in antioxidants, amino acids, and polyphenols such as cabbage, garlic, broccoli, and leafy greens, could potentially alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis, as suggested by registered dietitian nutritionist Monique Richard.
- The science of integrative health and medicine is also exploring the potential of natural compounds, like the strawberry tree extract, in the management of complex chronic conditions such as ulcerative colitis, as highlighted by Jillian Cohen, MD, DABFM, ABOIM, network medical director of Hackensack Meridian Health's Integrative Health and Medicine.
- Maintaining a balanced diet forms an integral part of managing ulcerative colitis; while awaiting further research, one could consider adopting dietary changes that prioritize health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, in addition to addressing dietary needs for optimal nutrition.
- Future studies that elucidate the exact mechanisms by which the strawberry tree extract exerts its effects and evaluate its impact in human cell models are essential to determine its viability as a treatment option for ulcerative colitis, as acknowledged by the researchers who conducted this initial study.
