Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 23, 2025 5 hours ago
Medical News: A Natural Approach to Managing Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the colon, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. It is one of the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and significantly impacts a person’s quality of life. Current treatments involve medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants, which often come with side effects. Researchers from the University of Central Lancashire, the University of Hertfordshire, Lister Hospital, and University College London have been exploring alternative natural remedies that could support conventional treatments.
Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice May Help Improve Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
One promising natural intervention is Montmorency tart cherry juice, known for its high levels of anthocyanins - natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. A new clinical trial was conducted to assess whether drinking this juice daily could help people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis improve their symptoms and overall well-being. This
Medical News report covers the key findings of the study.
The Study and How It Was Conducted
The clinical trial involved 35 adults with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group drank 60 mL of Montmorency tart cherry juice daily for six weeks, while the other group consumed a placebo. The study measured various health indicators, including the severity of symptoms, quality of life, and levels of inflammatory markers in the blood and stool.
At the start and end of the study, participants completed the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBDQ), a standardized tool for assessing health-related quality of life. Researchers also examined changes in the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI), a scale used to measure the severity of UC symptoms. Stool samples were analyzed for calprotectin levels, a marker of inflammation in the gut, and blood samples were tested for inflammatory cytokines.
Significant Improvements in Quality of Life and Symptoms
The results showed that those who drank Montmorency tart cherry juice experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life compared to the placebo group. The IBDQ scores in the tart cherry group increased by an average of 22.61 points, while the placebo group showed little change. A score increase of 16 points or more is considered clinically meaningful, suggesting that the improvement was substantial.
Additionally, participants in the tart cherry group showed notable reductions in their SCCAI scores, indicating that their UC symptoms became less severe over the six-week period. The average decrease was nearly four points, a significant improvement over the placebo group.
Reduction in Inflammatory Markers
One of the most important findings was the decrease in faecal calprotectin levels in the tart
cherry group. This biomarker is widely used to assess inflammation in the gut. Those who consumed the juice saw a reduction of approximately 136 micrograms per gram, suggesting that the supplement helped reduce gut inflammation. In contrast, the placebo group showed only a slight change.
Interestingly, no significant changes were observed in inflammatory markers in blood samples. Researchers noted that while blood tests may not have reflected changes, the reductions in stool inflammation markers and improved symptoms strongly indicate that tart cherry juice has a beneficial effect on UC.
Safe and Well-Tolerated
The study also confirmed that Montmorency tart cherry juice is a safe and well-tolerated option for people with UC. Only one participant in each group reported an adverse event, which in both cases was a minor flare-up of UC symptoms. Compliance was also high, with most participants consistently consuming the supplement as directed.
One potential concern noted was that the tart cherry juice naturally contains sugars. Participants in the supplement group had an increased intake of dietary sugar compared to those in the placebo group. While this did not seem to cause any immediate adverse effects, long-term studies would be needed to assess whether this could impact conditions such as diabetes or metabolic health in the future.
What This Means for People with UC
The findings of this trial suggest that Montmorency tart cherry juice could be a beneficial addition to the diet of individuals with ulcerative colitis. While it is not a replacement for medical treatment, it may serve as a complementary approach to help improve symptoms and enhance quality of life. The fact that it is a natural and well-tolerated option makes it an attractive choice for those looking to support their health through dietary means.
Researchers emphasize that while the results are promising, more long-term studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the full extent of tart cherry juice’s benefits. Future studies could also investigate whether this supplement works best in combination with specific medications or dietary strategies.
Final Thoughts
Montmorency tart cherry juice appears to offer a natural, safe, and effective way to support ulcerative colitis management. With its ability to improve quality of life, reduce symptom severity, and decrease gut inflammation, it presents an exciting avenue for further research and potential use in UC treatment plans. As always, individuals with UC should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their diet or treatment regimen.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Life.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/2/306
For the latest on Herbs and Phytochemicals, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/potential-benefits-of-thymoquinone-and-caffeic-acid-in-treating-ulcerative-colitis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/the-potential-of-plant-polysaccharides-for-ulcerative-colitis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/traditional-chinese-medicine-offers-hope-for-ulcerative-colitis-sufferers-by-targeting-micrornas
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings
Share
Tweet
Share
