Strawberry Tree Extract Potentially Benefits Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Around 4.9 million individuals globally are currently living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), primarily ulcerative colitis, as of 2019. This condition, which mainly affects the digestive system, currently lacks a cure, with treatment options typically involving medications, dietary adjustments, and, in some cases, surgery.
Research has suggested that the consumption of specific nutrients may help alleviate some symptoms of the disease. Recently, a study published in a scientific journal has indicated that an extract derived from the Mediterranean plant known as the strawberry tree might aid in the prevention and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
The strawberry tree, scientifically known as Arbutus unedo, has a long history of being used in traditional medicine due to its medicinal properties. In this study, researchers investigated the impact of the plant's extract on the gut of a mouse model affected by ulcerative colitis.
Researchers discovered that pretreatment with the plant extract managed to help prevent changes in the colon's lining and minimize the development of colonic lesions when compared to mice not receiving the extract. This finding suggests that the extract could offer protection from damage to the colon and potentially reduce the severity of ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation.
Furthermore, the study found that mice pretreated with the strawberry tree extract exhibited lower expression levels of proteins that promote oxidative stress and inflammation, essential factors in the development of ulcerative colitis. The scientists aim to conduct more studies to better understand the mechanisms behind the extract's effects and to further validate its therapeutic potential in treating gastrointestinal diseases.
Integrative medicine physician Jillian Cohen, who was not involved in the study, commented that while this is preliminary data in an animal model, she found the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the natural compound encouraging. She stressed that rigorous studies, focusing on both efficacy and safety, should be conducted before considering the extract as a treatment option for ulcerative colitis.
For those who cannot access the Mediterranean strawberry tree, a registered dietitian nutritionist might recommend other foods that provide similar nutrients and benefits. Such foods might include avocados, broccoli, beets, green tea, and turmeric, amongst others.
- The digestive system, primarily affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a focus for medical-conditions and therapies-and-treatments due to the chronic nature of (some) conditions like ulcerative colitis.
- While research has suggested dietary adjustments as a potential solution for ulcerative colitis, a recent study proposes the strawberry tree extract as a more promising option.
- This natural compound, derived from Arbutus unedo, may not only aid in ulcerative colitis treatment but potentially prevent it, as indicated by scientific research.
- The study, published in a scientific journal, reveals that the strawberry tree extract could protect the colon from damage and reduce inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
- Researchers found lower expression levels of proteins that promote oxidative stress and inflammation in mice pretreated with the extract, suggesting its potential benefits in digestive-health and health-and-wellness.
- However, although preliminary results in an animal model are promising, rigorous studies focused on efficacy and safety are necessary to consider the strawberry tree extract as a treatment for ulcerative colitis.
- Integrative medicine practitioner Jillian Cohen encourages further exploration of the compound's anti-inflammatory effects, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research before suggesting it as a treatment option.
- For those unable to access the strawberry tree, other foods rich in similar nutrients, such as avocados, broccoli, beets, green tea, turmeric, and more, might be recommended by registered dietitian nutritionists.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) has also shown promising potential in managing inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis and gastrointestinal diseases, a growing field of science in health-and-wellness.
- Along with digestive health, other areas of focus for health-and-wellness include eye-health, hearing, fitness-and-exercise, sexual-health, mental-health, mens-health, skin-care, and more.
- Proper nutrition and diet play a crucial role in addressing chronic diseases like ulcerative colitis, including autoimmune-disorders and cancers.
- In addition to medical-conditions, parenting remains an important aspect of maintaining overall health-and-wellness, ensuring the development of children in a mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy environment.
- Cardiovascular-health is another essential component of health-and-wellness, with various fitness activities and exercises vital for maintaining a balanced lifestyle and optimal cardiovascular function.
- Neurological-disorders, skin-conditions, respiratory-conditions, and women's-health also require attention when promoting health-and-wellness, recognizing their crucial role in overall life quality and longevity.
