Strawberry Tree Extract as a Potential Aid for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Over 4.9 million individuals worldwide are currently grappling with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), primarily ulcerative colitis, which remains without a definitive cure as of 2019. While medications, surgery, and dietary adjustments are used for managing the condition, researchers have long sought additional treatment options, particularly those derived from natural sources.
One such potential treatment stems from the extract of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), a Mediterranean plant known for its historical use in traditional medicine. Scientists have previously recognized the fruit and leaves of the strawberry tree as high in antioxidants, boasting antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a recent study, researchers observe that the extract of the strawberry tree may help prevent and treat ulcerative colitis. By giving mice doses of the extract before inducing ulcerative colitis with a chemical, they found that the plant extract could help prevent damage to the colon's lining and reduce the development of colonic lesions. Additionally, the extract appeared to significantly lessen the expression of specific proteins linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the development of ulcerative colitis.
Soumaya Wahabi, PhD, a researcher at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja at the University of Jendouba in Tunisia and corresponding author of the study, explained their findings: "We discovered that pre-treatment with the strawberry tree extract can help protect the colon from damage and potentially ease inflammation, offering a natural approach for improving gut health in those affected by ulcerative colitis."
Further studies with human cell models will be conducted to further examine the therapeutic potential of the strawberry tree extract in treating digestive system diseases. According to medical professionals, exploring natural compounds, especially those with anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating properties, is essential in the search for more accessible and sustainable treatment options for complex chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis.
While this is early data from an animal model, Jillian Cohen, MD, DABFM, ABOIM, network medical director of the Integrative Health and Medicine at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey, highlighted the potential of the strawberry tree extract: "[The findings] suggest a natural compound could potentially offer a safer and effective means for reducing inflammation and supporting gut health in ulcerative colitis patients."
For those unable to access the Mediterranean strawberry tree, eating a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can help decrease the risk of ulcerative colitis and its symptoms. Registered dietitian nutritionist Monique Richard suggested foods like asparagus, avocados, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, okra, spinach, beans, beets, bone broth, chicken and turkey, eggs, fish, lentils, and tofu as sources of key nutrients—such as glutathione, glutamine, and polyphenols—that can help support immune function, gut lining, and protect the gut-lining.
"Taking care of your gut health should not be a gamble," Richard emphasized. "Your gut does not operate in isolation; the health and well-being of your entire body depend on the health of your gut, so it is essential to invest in it."
- The extract of the strawberry tree, known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, may help prevent and treat ulcerative colitis.
- Research on the strawberry tree extract indicates it could potentially protect the colon from damage, potentially easing inflammation, offering a natural approach for improving gut health in those affected by ulcerative colitis.
- Further studies with human cell models will be conducted to further examine the therapeutic potential of the strawberry tree extract in treating digestive system diseases.
- Registered dietitian nutritionist Monique Richard suggests a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods to decrease the risk of ulcerative colitis and its symptoms.
- Caring for your gut health should not be a gamble, as the health of your entire body depends on the health of your gut, so it is essential to invest in it by focusing on foods like asparagus, avocados, broccoli, and more.
