Strawberry Tree Extract Could Potentially Support Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Ulcerative Colitis: Discovering the Potential Benefits of the Strawberry Tree Extract
Global statistics indicate that as of 2019, approximately 4.9 million people are living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), principally ulcerative colitis. This condition has no known cure, but it can be treated through medications, dietary adjustments, and surgery. A recent study has suggested that the extract from a Mediterranean plant called the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) may offer a promising preventive and therapeutic solution for ulcerative colitis.
Found in the Mediterranean region and Western Europe, the strawberry tree has historical uses in traditional medicine. Its bark, fruit, and leaves have been noted for their medicinal properties. For this study, researchers concentrated on the aqueous extract derived from the plant's fruits.
Dr. Soumaya Wahabi, a researcher at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Beja at the University of Jendouba in Tunisia, and corresponding author of the study, shared: "We initially focused on the effects of the aqueous extract on obesity in obese rats. Encouraged by the findings, we decided to further investigate its impact on inflammation, particularly in the context of ulcerative colitis."
Past research has established that the fruit and leaves of the strawberry tree are abundant in antioxidants and exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract contains phenolic compounds like phenolic acids (cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and chlorogenic acid) and flavonoids (rutin, catechin, myricetin, quercetin, and gallic acid). These phenolic compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help diminish oxidative stress and inflammation, two key factors in the development of ulcerative colitis.
The team utilized a mouse model to explore the beneficial effects of strawberry tree extract on ulcerative colitis. They found that administering the extract before exposing mice to a chemical inducing colitis prevented changes from occurring in the colon lining and helped suppress the development of colonic lesions, compared to mice not receiving the extract.
According to Dr. Wahabi, "This finding is significant because it suggests that Arbutus unedo extract can protect the colon from damage and potentially reduce the severity of ulcerative colitis. By preventing damage to the colon lining and lessening lesions, the extract could provide a natural and effective way to alleviate inflammation and preserve gut health for those with ulcerative colitis."
During the study, scientists also noted that mice pretreated with the strawberry tree extract had a lower expression of certain proteins that promote oxidative stress and inflammation, indicating a potential for the extract to reduce these harmful processes, potentially easing the disease's severity and supporting gut health.
Wahabi and her team plan to further investigate the mechanisms behind the strawberry tree extract's effects, as well as evaluate its impact on human cell models to further substantiate its therapeutic potential for gastrointestinal diseases.
"As an integrative medicine physician, I find the findings both promising and encouraging," said Dr. Jillian Cohen, network medical director of Hackensack Meridian Health's Integrative Health and Medicine at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center in New Jersey. "For individuals like me who treat patients with ulcerative colitis or at high risk for it, the potential anti-inflammatory effects of a natural compound like strawberry tree extract symbolize a glimmer of hope. It highlights the value of exploring evidence-based, integrative approaches to managing complex chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis."
However, she added, "It's essential that these therapies are studied rigorously, with equal attention to safety and effectiveness as conventional treatments. I look forward to seeing human clinical trials that examine not just efficacy but also safety, tolerability, and the integration of this extract into existing care."
For individuals who may not have access to the Mediterranean strawberry tree, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can offer recommendations for achieving similar benefits. Nutrient findings related to IBD, particularly ulcerative colitis, have highlighted the importance of antioxidants, amino acids, and polyphenols, which can be found in various foods.
Some food sources of antioxidants include:- Asparagus- Avocados- Broccoli- Cabbage- Cauliflower- Garlic- Okra- Spinach
Glutamine, an amino acid supporting the gut lining (mucosal layer), can be found in:- Beans- Beets- Bone Broth- Chicken and turkey- Cabbage- Eggs- Fish- Lentils- Tofu
Polyphenols, which help protect the gut lining, protect glutathione levels, and exhibit antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, can be found in:- Grapes (resveratrol)- Green tea (epigallocatechin-3-gallate)- Turmeric (curcumin)- Apples, onions, leafy greens, and tea (quercetin)
Consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist can help provide personalized recommendations based on individual needs, current health status, and symptoms, making it easier to manage and potentially mitigate the risks of ulcerative colitis. Investigating natural approaches like the strawberry tree extract may represent an intriguing possibility in the ongoing effort to discover effective and safer treatment options for inflammatory bowel diseases.
- In the study on ulcerative colitis, researchers found that the extract from the strawberry tree, specifically its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, could help diminish oxidative stress and inflammation, crucial factors in the development of ulcerative colitis.
- The phenolic compounds present in the strawberry tree extract, such as cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and quercetin, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially benefit the gut health of people with ulcerative colitis.
- Dr. Jillian Cohen, an integrative medicine physician, found the results of the strawberry tree extract study promising and encouraging, as it represents a possible natural and effective way to alleviate inflammation and preserve gut health for individuals with ulcerative colitis.
- A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can offer recommendations for achieving similar benefits to the strawberry tree extract, such as through food sources like asparagus, broccoli, and green tea, which are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols.
- By utilizing natural approaches like the strawberry tree extract, and integrating them into existing care, individuals may find relief from ulcerative colitis and contribute to the ongoing effort to discover effective and safer treatment options for inflammatory bowel diseases.
