Ulcerative colitis, or UC, is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers in the lining of your colon. Symptoms you may experience include pain, rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue and weight loss. Doctors aren't sure what triggers the inflammation, but a virus, bacterium, autoimmune reaction or heredity are possible causes. Conventional treatments include corticosteroids and immune system suppressors, but these can have unpleasant side effects. Herbs that reduce inflammation and lesions may be helpful for ulcerative colitis. Consult your health-care provider before starting herbal therapy.
Red Nut Sedge
Red nut sedge, or Cyperus rotundus, is a grass-like flowering plant native to Africa, Europe and South Asia. Indian Ayurvedic healers use a decoction of the rhizomes to treat inflammation, ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, fever, nausea, muscle tension and uterine pain. The active ingredient is a volatile oil rich in alpha-cyperone, myrtenol, caryophyllene oxide, beta-pinene, alpha-pinene and alpha-selinene. A study by A. G. Jagtap and colleagues, published in the February 2004 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," tested a decoction of an ancient Ayurvedic formula for inflamed bowels. The decoction included red nut sedge and three other herbs: stone apple, coriander and khus. The study found that the decoction was effective against induced ulcerative colitis in test animals. The researchers stated that red nut sedge may be the main active constituent due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its cytoprotective effects against ulceration. This study supports using a decoction of red nut sedge rhizomes to treat ulcerative colitis. There are no reported side effects of red nut sedge, however, you should not use this or any other herbal remedy without first consulting your doctor.
Barbatimo
Barbatimo, or Abarema cochliacarpos, is a tree in the legume family native to Brazil. Local healers use decoctions and tinctures of the bark to treat inflammation, gastric ulcers, pain and cancer. The active ingredients include tannins, catechins, phenols and saponins, and the herb has potent astringent and antioxidant actions. A study by M. S. da Silva and colleagues, published in the March 2010 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," tested an extract of the stem bark to determine whether it had anti-inflammatory effects on animals with ulcerative colitis. The study found that the extract inhibited bacterial growth and reduced both inflammation and intestinal lesions. The researchers state that the catechins and tannins are probably responsible for these actions. This study supports the use of barbatimo tincture for treating ulcerative colitis. Consult your doctor before using this herb or if your symptoms do not improve after treatment.
Yarrow
Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. Traditionally, healers used teas and tinctures of yarrow to treat wounds, inflammatory gastrointestinal problems, skin disorders, cystitis, bacterial infections, arthritis, fever, hypertension, cramps and colds. Yarrow contains volatile oil, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolcarbonic acids, and has potent anti-inflammatory actions. A study by B. Benedek and colleagues, published in the September 2007 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," tested a yarrow extract on enzymes involved in inflammatory bowel diseases. The research showed that yarrow extract inhibits the enzymes HNE, or human neutrophil elastase, and MMP, or matrix metalloproteinase, thereby reducing the inflammation that triggers UC symptoms. The researchers suggest that the flavonoids in yarrow extract may also decrease abdominal cramps. This study shows that yarrow has a healing effect on colon inflammation and may be useful in treating UC. If you have allergies to plants in the Aster family, yarrow may cause contact dermatitis. Talk to your doctor before using yarrow.
References
- PubMed: Effect of Polyherbal Formulation on Experimental Models of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
- PubMed: Anti-inflammatory Intestinal Activity of Abarema cochliacarpos (Gomes) Barneby & Grimes in TNBS Colitis Model.
- PubMed: Achillea millefolium L. s.l. -- is the Anti-inflammatory Activity Mediated by Protease Inhibition?
