Estrógeno (bajo)

Multiple preclinical studies in DSS-induced colitis mouse models consistently show that 2'-FL reduces disease activity index scores, attenuates colon shortening, suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), and restores gut microbiota composition. A key mechanism involves restoration of goblet cells, increased MUC2 secretion, and inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB and STAT3 pathways. An open-label pilot clinical trial in 12 adults with ulcerative colitis showed improved gastrointestinal quality-of-life scores and increased butyrate-producing bacteria after 6 weeks of a 2'-FL-containing formula.

Acemannan has been investigated in a pilot clinical study for inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis, with all participants showing score improvements. Aloe vera gel (the major vehicle of acemannan) showed benefit in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for active ulcerative colitis. Mechanistic support comes from rodent models of colitis.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT demonstrated that oral aloe vera gel (100 ml twice daily for 4 weeks) induced clinical remission in active ulcerative colitis patients, outperforming placebo. In vitro studies show aloe gel reduces prostaglandin E2 and IL-18 secretion in colonic mucosa, supporting anti-inflammatory activity.

Andrographis paniculata extract (standardized for andrographolide) has been tested in randomized controlled trials for mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis, showing remission and response rates comparable to mesalazine. It is also used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions.

Andrographolide, the primary active compound of Andrographis paniculata, has been evaluated in clinical trials for mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis. A randomized trial in 120 UC patients found it produced clinical remission and response rates comparable to mesalazine. It inhibits NF-κB and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Multiple human clinical trials of Qingdai (derived from S. cusia) have demonstrated efficacy in ulcerative colitis, including mucosal healing and remission induction. Mechanistic studies show action via the AHR-Th17/Treg pathway and IL-17 inhibition by S. cusia-derived alkaloids.

B. coagulans has been evaluated in IBD populations including ulcerative colitis, with evidence of anti-inflammatory effects and symptom improvement. The organism reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and abdominal symptoms in inflamed bowel conditions. Evidence is preliminary but grounded in clinical trials.

Buckwheat and apricot bee pollen extracts reduced DSS-induced ulcerative colitis severity in mouse models, modulating Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, reducing ICAM-1 expression, and improving gut microbiota composition. The anti-inflammatory and microbiota-modulating mechanisms are well-characterized at the preclinical level.

A 2024 meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (952 UC patients) found berberine combined with 5-ASA significantly improved clinical efficacy rate (RR=1.22), reduced disease activity index scores, and attenuated inflammatory markers. Berberine has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions.

Bifidobacterium species are among the most studied probiotics for ulcerative colitis. Systematic reviews of RCTs confirm that Bifidobacteria-containing probiotics have positive effects in treatment and maintenance of UC. B. longum, B. breve, B. animalis subsp. lactis, and B. bifidum are among the most studied strains.

Bifidobacterium bifidum is included in multi-strain probiotic formulations (including VSL#3 predecessor formulations) that have demonstrated benefit for ulcerative colitis and pouchitis in RCTs. Systematic reviews confirm Bifidobacteria including B. bifidum contribute to UC treatment and maintenance of remission.

Bifidobacterium breve is a component of VSL#3 and other multi-strain probiotic formulations that have demonstrated benefit for UC and pouchitis in randomized controlled trials. Systematic reviews of probiotic RCTs in IBD confirm positive effects of Bifidobacteria-containing probiotics in UC treatment and maintenance.

Bifidobacterium lactis (animalis subsp. lactis) has been specifically tested in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for collagenous colitis in combination with Lactobacillus acidophilus. It is among the most widely used Bifidobacteria strains in IBD probiotic research and multi-strain formulations for UC.

Bifidobacterium longum BB536 has been specifically identified in clinical studies as beneficial for UC symptom management. It is among the most frequently studied Bifidobacterium strains for UC alongside L. rhamnosus GG. VSL#3 probiotic mixture containing B. longum showed benefit in pouchitis RCTs.

An open prospective pilot trial in 13 UC patients treated with anthocyanin-rich bilberry for 6 weeks achieved remission in 63.4% and response in 90.9%, with significant reductions in endoscopic and biochemical disease activity. A follow-up molecular study confirmed reduced IFN-γ and TNF-α in colon biopsies of responders. Evidence is preliminary but is the first human data.

Ulcerative colitis patients were included in a meta-analysis (7 RCTs) showing significant CRP reductions with N. sativa supplementation. Animal models confirm TQ's anti-colitic effects via NF-κB inhibition. The PMC GI review documents clinical and experimental evidence for N. sativa's effects on colitis.

Boswellia serrata gum resin extract has been tested in small clinical trials for ulcerative colitis and collagenous colitis. In one study of 20 UC patients receiving 300 mg three times daily for 6 weeks, 14 achieved remission, compared to only 4/10 in the sulfasalazine group. Boswellic acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, reducing leukotriene synthesis.

Boswellic acids are the active constituents of Boswellia serrata responsible for anti-inflammatory effects in ulcerative and collagenous colitis. They inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and NF-κB, reducing pro-inflammatory leukotriene and cytokine production. Small clinical trials have demonstrated remission rates comparable to or exceeding sulfasalazine in UC patients.

Multiple preclinical and emerging clinical studies demonstrate bromelain's potential in ulcerative colitis, including an animal model showing markedly decreased IBD development and severity, and anecdotal reports of remission in two UC patients. A 2025 randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled RCT in 70 UC patients evaluated bromelain on disease activity and quality of life over 8 weeks.

Tributyrin has direct evidence in experimental colitis models, showing antioxidative and immunomodulatory effects, and reduced colonic mucosal lesions and inflammation when given orally or as an enema. Butyrate enemas were evaluated in human ulcerative colitis trials from 1992 onward with positive but mixed outcomes. Animal models consistently support tributyrin's protection against DSS-induced colitis through barrier repair and cytokine suppression.

Butyric acid (butyrate) is the primary energy substrate for colonocytes and has been investigated as a treatment for ulcerative colitis. Butyrate enemas have been tested in RCTs for distal UC, showing improvement in histological and clinical scores. It inhibits NF-κB, promotes colonocyte proliferation, and supports tight junction integrity.

Red cabbage juice has been shown in animal models of DSS-induced colitis to significantly reduce disease activity, improve colonic barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins, and enrich SCFA-producing bacteria. A mouse study (PMC10778654, 2023) demonstrated that red cabbage juice modulated gut microbiota and ameliorated experimental colitis. Red cabbage extract has also attenuated experimental IBD in mouse models in vitro.

BCP has been shown to inhibit dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice through CB2 receptor activation and the PPARγ pathway, reducing disease activity, colonic damage, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This is among the most robust preclinical findings for BCP.

A pilot RCT at Virginia Commonwealth University included 9 ulcerative colitis patients treated with chlorella and assessed disease activity. A 2008 open-label study also observed digestive symptom improvements in patients with IBS and ulcerative colitis.

Coptis chinensis and berberine have demonstrated anti-colitis effects in multiple animal models of ulcerative colitis, reducing inflammatory infiltration, restoring gut microbiota balance, and reinforcing the intestinal barrier. Clinical evidence supports berberine use in gastritis and enteritis, and TCM historically used the herb for dysentery symptoms resembling UC.

Multiple RCTs and systematic reviews support curcumin as adjunctive therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC). A 2024 meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (482 patients) found adjunctive curcumin significantly improved clinical remission (RR=2.33, 95% CI: 1.25–4.34). It works via NF-κB inhibition and blockade of TNF-α binding, reducing mucosal inflammation.

In a mouse model of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, DPA supplementation alleviated colitis severity by modifying gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolite profiles. Beneficial genera including Akkermansia and Lactobacillus were enriched, and butyrate production was increased. Evidence is currently limited to preclinical animal models.

EPA as a free fatty acid (EPA-FFA) has been tested in placebo-controlled trials in ulcerative colitis (UC) with positive results. A 60-patient RCT found 6 months of EPA-FFA reduced fecal calprotectin (a marker of mucosal inflammation) and prevented relapse. Mendelian randomization data also indicate higher genetically predicted EPA concentrations associate with reduced IBD risk.

Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) has been evaluated in multiple RCTs and two Cochrane reviews for ulcerative colitis. While individual small trials show anti-inflammatory benefit and reduced steroid requirements, Cochrane reviews found insufficient definitive evidence for maintenance of remission. Fish oil reduces leukotriene B4 and pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production in colonic mucosa.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotic fibers that selectively feed beneficial colonic bacteria, promote butyrate production, and have been studied in combination with probiotics (synbiotics) for IBD including UC. Synbiotics containing FOS showed clearer effectiveness in Crohn's disease and positive effects in UC in systematic reviews.

In vivo rat studies show shilajit (containing fulvic acid) reduced intestinal damage and inflammatory markers in chemically induced colitis. Fulvic acid's anti-inflammatory mechanisms (TNF-α and COX-2 suppression) are mechanistically relevant to colitis pathology.

Gardenia jasminoides fruit extract (GFE) and its constituent geniposide have demonstrated protective effects in multiple rat models of ulcerative colitis (TNBS- and DSS-induced). GFE significantly reduced disease activity index scores, histological damage, and pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing antioxidant capacity. Geniposide's mechanism involves KEAP1-Nrf2 pathway activation and barrier function restoration.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been investigated in a registered RCT for active ulcerative colitis; its bioactive compounds (shogaols, gingerols) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A meta-analysis of polyphenols in UC confirmed ginger powder reduces clinical activity scores in UC patients.

Green chiretta extract (HMPL-004) has been evaluated in two randomised, double-blind clinical trials in ulcerative colitis patients, with the 1,800 mg/day dose producing significantly higher clinical response rates versus placebo. One trial found efficacy comparable to mesalamine.

A randomized single-blind clinical trial (PMC5255966) compared a monoherbal H. antidysenterica formulation to mesalamine in chronic ulcerative colitis patients, finding comparable or superior efficacy with fewer relapses. Animal studies using DNBS-induced colitis also support anti-colitic activity. This represents the strongest human clinical evidence for this herb.

Honeysuckle-derived nanovesicles reduced colitis symptoms, colonic inflammation, and histopathological damage, restored Treg/Th17 balance, and repaired intestinal barrier integrity in DSS-induced murine colitis. Honeysuckle MIR2911 was shown to reduce Escherichia-Shigella abundance and improve colitis via gut microbiota regulation. These are preclinical findings without human trial data.

SBI has been studied in ulcerative colitis patients as an adjunct to standard regimens, with a pediatric case report documenting clinical and pathological remission. Preclinical mouse models show oral SBI attenuates DSS-induced colitis inflammation. An ex vivo human sample study confirmed SBI reduces key colonic inflammatory cytokines.

Bael unripe fruit extract demonstrated significant anti-colitic effects in both acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis and indomethacin-induced enterocolitis rat models, with dose-dependent reduction in inflammation markers and protection of intestinal mast cells. Traditional Ayurvedic formulations containing bael specifically target colitis.

Multiple clinical trials have examined Boswellia serrata in ulcerative colitis and chronic colitis. A key RCT showed 82% of Boswellia-treated patients entered remission — a result comparable to sulfasalazine. Additional trials confirmed improvements in stool properties, histopathology, and haematological parameters at 350 mg three times daily for 6 weeks.

Indigo naturalis (derived from indigo plant leaves) has the strongest clinical evidence base in ulcerative colitis of any traditional herbal medicine. Multiple RCTs and a comprehensive PMC systematic review confirm efficacy in inducing clinical response and mucosal healing in active UC. The mechanism involves aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation and IL-22 induction.

Inulin-type beta-fructan prebiotics have been tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT for prevention of UC relapse. While the trial did not prevent clinical relapse, it significantly reduced the risk of subclinical relapse defined by elevated fecal calprotectin. Inulin promotes beneficial microbiota and butyrate production in the colon.

Jujube polysaccharides and hydroalcoholic extracts have demonstrated efficacy in multiple colitis animal models, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, improving mucosal damage, and modulating gut microbiota. Evidence includes acetic acid–induced UC in mice, DSS-induced colitis, and TNBS-induced IBD in rats. All current evidence is preclinical.

Multiple animal studies using DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis models show AG reduces colitis severity, shortens colon damage, suppresses inflammatory cytokines, and modulates gut microbiota. AG outperformed free glutamine in alleviating DSS-colitis in mice. Human clinical data are primarily derived from IBD/surgical populations where glutamine as AG is part of nutritional support.

L-glutamine is the primary fuel for rapidly dividing intestinal enterocytes and has been investigated in preclinical colitis models. A 2018 study showed L-glutamine attenuates DSS-induced colitis in mice via MAPK phosphatase-1 induction. It is listed among other proposed natural treatments for UC including phosphatidylcholine, curcumin, and bromelain.

Lactobacillus species (particularly L. rhamnosus GG, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. casei) have been investigated in numerous RCTs for ulcerative colitis. Systematic reviews confirm that probiotics including Lactobacillus have positive effects in treatment and maintenance of UC. They modulate gut microbiota, reduce mucosal inflammation, and strengthen the intestinal barrier.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been investigated in RCTs for ulcerative colitis and collagenous colitis, and is among the most commonly used probiotic strains for IBD. A double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT specifically tested L. acidophilus with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis for collagenous colitis. It modulates gut microbiota and mucosal immune responses.

L. bulgaricus is a component of VSL#3, which has been studied in multiple RCTs for ulcerative colitis and shown to induce remission. L. bulgaricus alone has been shown in animal models (azoxymethane/DSS mouse model) to attenuate intestinal inflammation and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23, IL-1β). Human-level evidence is primarily from multi-strain formulations that include L. bulgaricus.

Lactobacillus casei is among the Lactobacillus strains investigated in multi-strain probiotic trials for ulcerative colitis. It is included in multi-strain synbiotic formulations demonstrating anti-pathogenic and gut microbiota-modulating activity relevant to colitis management.

L. paracasei E10 significantly alleviated colitis symptoms in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse model by reducing disease activity index, preserving colonic architecture, increasing goblet cell density, and upregulating tight junction proteins. A clinical trial (NCT07017959) is currently investigating L. paracasei D3.5 for IBD in adults, though published human RCT data are limited.

Lactobacillus plantarum has been studied in RCTs for ulcerative colitis, and is included in multi-strain probiotic formulations with demonstrated benefit in IBD. It improves intestinal barrier function, modulates colonic microbiota, and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in UC patients.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is among the most extensively studied probiotics for ulcerative colitis, with documented mucosal adhesion capacity, anti-inflammatory activity, and a favorable safety profile across clinical trials. It has been evaluated as monotherapy in mild-to-moderate UC, and is commonly studied in combination with Bifidobacterium.

L. salivarius UCC118 has demonstrated anti-colitic activity in a DSS-induced mouse colitis model, accelerating recovery through upregulation of IL-10, M2 macrophage polarization, and restoration of gut microbial diversity. Human IBD-specific RCT data for L. salivarius specifically remain limited, though its immunomodulatory mechanisms are directly relevant to colitis pathophysiology.

Multiple preclinical studies demonstrate that L. lactis — both wild-type and GM strains — attenuates experimental colitis by reducing inflammatory cytokines, preserving tight junction integrity, and modulating the colonic immune environment. Heat-killed L. lactis L8 reduced TNF-α and clinical colitis scores in DSS-induced murine colitis. GM L. lactis secreting IL-10 and IL-1Ra have also shown efficacy in rodent colitis models and have proceeded to human clinical safety trials.

Fecal lactoferrin is a validated biomarker for colitis disease activity in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. As a therapeutic, lactoferrin shows immunomodulatory potential for IBD/colitis contexts via mucosal immune regulation, though direct treatment RCT data in colitis is limited primarily to case reports and biomarker studies.

Phosphatidylcholine (the active component of lecithin) is deficient in the colonic mucus of ulcerative colitis patients, and multiple RCTs show that delayed-release PC preparations significantly improve remission rates and reduce steroid dependence. A meta-analysis of three RCTs confirmed significant clinical, endoscopic, and histological improvements. Evidence is specifically for ulcerative colitis, not Crohn's disease.

D-limonene has been specifically studied in ulcerative colitis rat models, demonstrating significant reductions in disease activity, colonic mucosa damage, and inflammatory markers (MMP-2, MMP-9, COX-2, PGE2, TGF-β). At 50–100 mg/kg, it produced measurable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the inflamed colon. Evidence is preclinical (rodent models); no human UC clinical trials have been conducted.

Both animal and preliminary human data support mastic gum's activity against colitis. Key constituents reduce NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8, and improve gut barrier integrity. A 2022 study showed masticadienonic acid mitigated DSS-induced colitis in mice through microbiota modulation and tight junction upregulation. Small human RCT data adjunct to standard IBD therapy showed reduced disease activity markers.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), through its active complex silymarin, has shown positive results in a small placebo-controlled clinical trial in ulcerative colitis patients. Silymarin suppresses NF-κB-mediated inflammation and reduces TNF-α and IL-1β in bowel tissue. A registered clinical trial is ongoing to confirm its efficacy as adjunct therapy in UC.

Mucin barrier defects—particularly altered MUC2 expression and goblet cell dysfunction—are well-documented in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease in human biopsy studies. Muc2-deficient mice spontaneously develop colitis, establishing a causal mechanistic link. Clinical studies show that mucin expression profiles are abnormal in UC at disease onset and after treatment.

The myrrh-containing combination product Myrrhinil-Intest demonstrated noninferiority to mesalazine in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis in a double-blind RCT. Animal models of acetic acid–induced colitis show myrrh reduces colon weight, inflammatory cell infiltration, and mucosal damage while upregulating antioxidant defenses.

NAG has direct clinical evidence in inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis. A pediatric pilot trial (Salvatore et al., Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2000) and animal studies in DSS-induced colitis (Food & Function, 2023) both show histological and clinical improvements with NAG administration. NAG replenishes intestinal mucosa glycosaminoglycans that are depleted in colitis.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has been investigated in experimental colitis models and mentioned in reviews as potentially controlling and preventing ulcerative colitis. It serves as a glutathione precursor, reducing oxidative stress in inflamed colonic mucosa. A study demonstrated molecular evidence for its benefits in experimental colitis.

OA ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by restoring Th17/Treg balance, inhibiting NF-κB, preserving intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin), and reducing inflammatory cytokines. Multiple independent murine studies confirm these effects.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been evaluated in multiple RCTs and Cochrane reviews for UC and Crohn's disease. They reduce leukotriene B4 and pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production in colonic mucosa. IOIBD dietary guidance recommends increased omega-3 consumption from natural food sources for UC patients, though supplement evidence for remission maintenance is inconclusive.

The colonic mucus layer is normally enriched in PC, and patients with ulcerative colitis show significantly depleted mucosal PC. Multiple RCTs demonstrate that delayed-release PC supplementation reduces disease activity, induces remission, and supports steroid withdrawal in active UC. This is one of the best-evidenced therapeutic applications of PC.

A landmark RCT demonstrated Plantago ovata seeds (dietary fiber) were as effective as mesalamine in maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis. Psyllium's prebiotic fermentation raises colonic butyrate, supporting mucosal integrity. Clinical evidence is strongest for ulcerative colitis maintenance.

A randomized clinical trial found Plantago ovata seeds equivalent to mesalamine for UC remission maintenance. Psyllium fiber specifically protected against experimental colitis in mouse models where other fibers worsened disease. A case report documented improvement in refractory ulcerative pancolitis with P. major. The protective mechanism involves SCFA production and intestinal barrier maintenance.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its rich ellagitannins (punicalagins, ellagic acid) have demonstrated anti-UC effects in numerous preclinical investigations and clinical human trial reports. A double-blind RCT evaluated pomegranate juice for reducing fecal calprotectin in IBD patients. An ongoing UCLA trial is studying pomegranate juice effects on UC inflammation and gut microbiota.

An animal/cell study found prickly pear (O. dillenii) juice protected against ulcerative colitis-induced colon damage via phenolics, flavonoids, and betalains. In vitro studies on human intestinal cells confirm anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal epithelial inflammation. Human clinical trials are lacking.

Psyllium (Plantago ovata husk) has been evaluated in clinical trials for UC maintenance and shown efficacy comparable to mesalazine for maintenance of remission in mild-to-moderate UC in at least one RCT. It acts as a prebiotic fiber, increasing butyrate-producing bacteria and fecal butyrate levels in UC patients.

Quercetin, a flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been investigated in preclinical and clinical contexts for ulcerative colitis. It modulates NF-κB, reshapes gut microbiota, and restores tryptophan metabolism to support intestinal barrier integrity. It is included in polyphenol meta-analyses showing benefit in UC.

Resveratrol, a polyphenol stilbene, has been tested in RCTs for ulcerative colitis. A meta-analysis of polyphenol RCTs confirmed resveratrol-containing preparations reduced clinical activity in UC and improved remission rates. It inhibits NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the colonic mucosa.

Saccharomyces boulardii has been evaluated in a pilot trial for ulcerative colitis and in animal models of DSS-induced colitis, showing modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling. It has well-established evidence for C. difficile-associated colitis and antibiotic-associated colitis. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms in UC have been described.

Silymarin, the flavonolignan complex from milk thistle (Silybum marianum), showed positive results in a small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in UC patients. It suppresses NF-κB, reduces TNF-α and IL-1β in colonic tissue, and an ongoing registered RCT (NCT06213857) is further evaluating its efficacy in UC.

Oxymatrine from S. flavescens is commonly used in China to treat ulcerative colitis, with multiple licensed formulations. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 preclinical studies confirmed oxymatrine's efficacy in IBD models. Human RCT meta-analyses of Five-Flavor Sophora Enteric-Coated Capsules (containing S. flavescens) for UC have been published.

Serum maresin-1 and resolvin D1 are established disease activity biomarkers in ulcerative colitis patients. Ex vivo studies using intestinal biopsies from Crohn's disease patients show resolvin D2 reduces mucosal cytokine production. SPMs have been tested in preclinical colitis models with consistent efficacy.

Stigmasterol significantly attenuated experimental colitis in DSS-induced mouse models by restoring Treg/Th17 immune balance via the butyrate-PPARγ axis and modulating gut microbiota composition. Fecal microbiota transplant experiments confirmed microbiota-mediated anti-inflammatory effects.

S. thermophilus is one of the eight strains in VSL#3, a probiotic preparation with the strongest evidence base for ulcerative colitis, including induction of remission in mild-to-moderate disease in randomized controlled trials. Animal studies with specific S. thermophilus strains also demonstrate delayed colitis onset and improved mucosal barrier function.

Sulforaphane reduces colonic inflammation in DSS-induced colitis models via Nrf2 activation, NF-κB suppression, restoration of tight junction proteins, and gut microbiome remodeling. Pretreatment with SFN significantly improved inflammatory biomarkers and symptoms in murine colitis models.

Artemisinin and artesunate, derivatives of A. annua, have shown significant anti-colitis activity in DSS and TNBS rodent models, reducing colonic inflammation, macroscopic injury, and cytokine levels. A 2025 review in Acta Pharmacologica Sinica summarizes the multi-target therapeutic rationale for artemisinins in colitis.

Multiple animal models show tributyrin reduces inflammation and supports mucosal repair in colitis, acting via NF-κB inhibition, Treg promotion, and cytokine modulation. Butyrate supplementation RCTs in ulcerative colitis patients (not tributyrin-specific) show reductions in disease severity scores and inflammatory markers. Human evidence specific to tributyrin in colitis remains limited to pilot data.

Multiple RCTs and a 2024 meta-analysis of 13 placebo-controlled trials demonstrate curcumin's efficacy as an adjunctive therapy for ulcerative colitis, improving clinical remission rates and clinical response. Curcumin is extensively studied in IBD and has a substantial evidence base for UC specifically. Typical use is as adjunct to mesalamine.

Vitamin D supplementation has been tested in a randomized clinical trial in UC patients with vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D), showing increased vitamin D levels over 90 days. Systematic reviews support vitamin D's role in intestinal barrier integrity, VDR-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling, and promoting butyrate-producing commensal bacteria in UC.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) has been specifically tested in a double-blind RCT in UC patients with vitamin D deficiency, showing increased serum levels and improvements in quality of life and disease activity indices at doses of 2,000–4,000 IU/day over 90 days. VDR-mediated signaling supports intestinal barrier integrity and reduces colonic inflammation.

Wheat bran polyphenols reduced DSS-induced colitis severity in animal models by suppressing MAPK/NF-κB inflammatory signaling and modulating gut microbiota. Wheat arabinoxylan may prevent colitis by increasing colonic regulatory T cells. Human clinical evidence is indirect (low-fiber wheat products served as the control arm in oat bran UC trials), with direct wheat-specific colitis RCTs lacking.

Wheatgrass juice was tested in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 23 active distal UC patients; those receiving 100 ml/day for one month showed significant reductions in disease activity and rectal bleeding compared to placebo. A polyphenol meta-analysis for UC confirmed wheatgrass juice improved clinical activity scores.

In vitro fermentation studies with fecal samples from UC patients in remission show XOS significantly enriches Bifidobacterium and butyrate-producing Roseburia, bacteria known to reduce colitis severity. Animal models confirm XOS combined with Bifidobacterium infantis alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Human interventional trials in active colitis remain limited.

Berberine, Yellow Root's active constituent, shows significant activity against experimental colitis in animal models and has been explored in a human clinical trial for ulcerative colitis. Yellow Root was traditionally used for bowel inflammation. Berberine inhibits inflammatory pathways relevant to colitis.

Yucca is traditionally and clinically cited for intestinal inflammation including colitis. Drugs.com and Rxlist list colitis as a recognized oral indication. Mechanistically, yucca saponins may modulate gut microbiota and reduce gut permeability, while phenolics inhibit NF-κB-driven mucosal inflammation. No large-scale colitis-specific RCT exists, but the association appears in multiple clinical reference sources.

Bayberry is specifically listed in multiple herbal references for colitis, particularly mucous colitis (irritable bowel with mucus). Its astringent tannins reduce intestinal secretion and inflammation. WebMD/RxList include colitis among conditions for which bayberry is used traditionally. No clinical trial evidence exists.

Calendula infusion is traditionally used in herbal medicine for chronic colitis and ulcerative colitis, attributed to its anti-inflammatory and mucosal-healing properties. An animal model study in dogs demonstrated benefit in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. No human RCTs exist for this indication.

Cat's claw is traditionally used for colitis and inflammatory bowel conditions, and multiple authoritative sources, including RxList, list it among treatments for 'inflammation of the lower bowel (colitis).' Preclinical studies show reduction of intestinal inflammation markers. No randomized controlled trials in human colitis patients have been published.

Chamomile has been used traditionally for gastrointestinal inflammation and is listed among botanical remedies for UC in evidence-based complementary therapy reviews. Its anti-inflammatory terpenoids (alpha-bisabolol) and flavonoids (apigenin) have demonstrated gut anti-inflammatory activity, and it has been included in clinical-study summaries for UC complementary care.

Chickweed is used in herbal practice for colitis and inflammatory bowel conditions, leveraging its cooling, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory actions internally. Herbal Reality specifically lists colitis among digestive indications. No clinical evidence is available.

C. speciosa is documented in TCM for enteritis, a category that includes colitis-like inflammatory bowel conditions. The fruit is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopeia and multiple pharmacological reviews for enteritis treatment. Preclinical anti-inflammatory data in gut-relevant models provides mechanistic support, though no studies specifically targeting colitis as an endpoint have been published.

Goldenseal is traditionally indicated for intestinal inflammation, and berberine—its main alkaloid—has been examined in preclinical colitis models with promising results. Human clinical data for goldenseal itself in colitis are lacking, though berberine's anti-inflammatory mechanisms are well documented preclinically.

Marshmallow has been used in traditional European and Greco-Roman medicine for gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions including colitis. The demulcent mucilage is proposed to coat and protect the inflamed intestinal lining. Some in vitro and animal evidence supports anti-inflammatory effects in the gut, but human clinical trials for colitis are absent.

Nopal and related Opuntia cacti have traditional use for colitis and intestinal inflammation in Mexican and sub-Saharan ethnomedicine. Preclinical evidence from a rodent DNBS-induced colitis model (using Nopalea cochenillifera, a related Opuntia genus cactus) showed significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB activation, and macroscopic colon damage. A promising role in inflammatory bowel disease and colitis has been noted in reviews. No human clinical trials have been identified.

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) bark has been used traditionally by Native Americans to treat diarrhea and gastrointestinal tract diseases, including inflammatory bowel conditions. Its mucilage forms a protective coating on the gut lining, and preliminary research suggests antioxidant effects relevant to IBD, though formal RCT evidence is lacking.

Slippery elm bark has a well-documented Native American traditional use for gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions including colitis. Its mucilage forms a soothing coating on inflamed colonic mucosa. Preliminary research supports antioxidant effects relevant to IBD, but formal RCT data are absent.

Squawvine is listed in Eclectic herbal tradition and folk medicine as indicated for catarrhal colitis. The tannin-based astringent action on inflamed mucous membranes provides a plausible traditional rationale. No clinical studies have been conducted.