Strawberry Tree Extract Potentially Beneficial for Ulcerative Colitis Management
To date, an estimated 4.9 million people worldwide are battling inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), primarily ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive system. Ulcerative colitis, unlike its counterpart Crohn's disease, is not curable, though it can be managed through medication, dietary changes, and surgical intervention.
Ulcerative colitis's underlying causes remain unclear; however, a history of family illness, ethnicity, gut microbiome composition, and exposure to environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, are known to increase a person's risk.
The lack of a cure has led researchers to explore alternative treatments, such as the extract from the Mediterranean plant known as the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo). Historically used in traditional medicine, the strawberry tree's bark, fruit, and leaves have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a recent study published in a leading journal, the strawberry tree extract showed potential in preventing and treating ulcerative colitis in a mouse model. Researchers, led by Soumaya Wahabi, PhD of the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja at the University of Jendouba in Tunisia, found that pretreating mice with the extract before inducing ulcerative colitis helped maintain the colon's lining and reduced the formation of colonic lesions. Furthermore, the study found a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation markers in mice pretreated with strawberry tree extract.
Strawberry tree extract contains phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids like cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, syringic acid, and chlorogenic acid, as well as flavonoids such as rutin, catechin, myricetin, naringenin, and quercetin. These compounds provide the extract with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
If proven effective in future human studies, strawberry tree extract may offer an alternative, natural treatment option for those living with ulcerative colitis. However, it is essential to note that as preclinical research, this study does not necessarily translate into useful treatments for humans. Further research is required to fully understand the extract's potential benefits, safety, and efficacy for the treatment or prevention of ulcerative colitis.
As we await further studies, it is essential for individuals with ulcerative colitis to work closely with their healthcare providers to ensure they receive the most up-to-date and personalized treatment plans. For those interested in supporting gut health through dietary changes, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) can help provide guidance on foods high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as avocados, broccoli, cabbage, garlic, and green tea.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly ulcerative colitis, is a chronic medical-condition of the digestive system, affecting nearly 5 million people worldwide.
- The extract from the Mediterranean plant, the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), has demonstrated potential in preventing and treating ulcerative colitis due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Phenolic compounds found in strawberry tree extract, such as cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and quercetin, provide it with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
- If proven effective in future human studies, the strawberry tree extract may offer an alternative, natural treatment option for individuals living with chronic-diseases like ulcerative colitis.
- To maintain overall health-and-wellness and support gut health, individuals are advised to seek guidance from registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) for personalized dietary plans rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Despite the promising preclinical results, it is essential to note that further research is required to fully understand the strawberry tree extract's potential benefits, safety, and efficacy for the treatment or prevention of ulcerative colitis and other chronic diseases.
