Ferulic acid, a natural polyphenolic compound found in plant cell walls, has garnered scientific interest for its potential role in supporting or treating Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The rationale for its use is primarily based on preclinical scientific evidence rather than long-standing traditional use. Several in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that ferulic acid and its derivatives exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are relevant to the pathophysiology of IBD. For instance, animal models of colitis have shown that ferulic acid supplementation can reduce disease severity, decrease inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), and mitigate oxidative stress within the colon. Mechanistically, ferulic acid appears to modulate key inflammatory pathways, including the inhibition of NF-κB activation and reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

However, clinical evidence in humans remains sparse, with most data limited to laboratory and animal studies. Some small pilot studies suggest potential benefit, but there is not yet robust, large-scale clinical trial data supporting its efficacy in human IBD patients. Thus, while the scientific rationale is promising and supported by preclinical evidence (justifying a moderate evidence score), further research, particularly well-designed human trials, is needed before ferulic acid derivatives can be recommended as a standard adjunctive therapy in IBD management.