Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulceration of the inner layer of the colon. Symptoms may vary in severity but can include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and weight loss. Treatment, which aims to minimize flare-ups and help maintain disease remission, may include drug therapy and surgery. Turmeric may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms, but evidence to show it is effective is limited. Do not use it in place of drugs prescribed by your doctor and get medical advice before using it.
Properties and Dosage
Turmeric is most commonly used to flavor food and to die fabric, but it is also sometimes used as an alternative remedy for a number of diseases including cancer and kidney stones. It contains a number of active compounds including curcumin, which may have anti-inflammatory effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that 1g to 2g daily may help reduce colitis-associated inflammation. However, this is only a guideline; your doctor will advise you on the right dose for you.
Effectiveness
Evidence proving the efficacy of turmeric for colitis is limited. However, the results of a clinical trial by H. Hanai and colleagues, published in the December 2006 issue of "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology," shows that turmeric helps maintain remission in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis. A study by H.M. Arafa et al, published in June 2009 in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" also found that curcumin may play a protective role in ulcerative colitis and may also modulate the release of inflammatory chemicals.
Side Effects and Contraindications
RxList notes that turmeric is likely safe for most people although it may cause diarrhea. Avoid turmeric if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have gallbladder disease. Do not take turmeric alongside anticoagulants, such as aspirin or dalteparin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Avoid taking a turmeric supplement or eating turmeric-flavored foods if you are being treated for cancer as it may interfere with the action of certain cancer drugs.
Other Herbal Options
Other herbs may also help alleviate colitis. These include slippery elm, boswellia and psyllium seeds. Slippery elm may help soothe and protect irritated intestinal tissues, while boswellia, an herb extracted from the resin of a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine, may even be as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug, sulfasalazine. Psyllium, a type of insoluble fiber, may work well alongside the drug mesalamine in reducing flare-ups and maintaining disease remission. Talk to your doctor before using any herbal remedies to treat colitis.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- PubMed.gov: Curcumin Maintenance Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis: Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
- PubMed.gov: Prophylactic Role of Curcumin in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Murine Model
- RxList: Turmeric
