Ulcerative colitis is a type of bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the inner layers of tissue of the digestive tract. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it affects more than 0.5 million Americans and produces a number of symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and rectal bleeding. Although there is no cure for colitis, anti-inflammatory medicines and dietary measure can help to keep symptoms under control. Some herbs may help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Ask your doctor whether including herbs in you treatment program would be beneficial for you.
Boswellia
An example of an herbal drug that may help to alleviate colits is boswellia. Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia comes from the resin of a plant commonly used in traditional Indian medicine. It contains a chemical known as boswellic acid, which, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, is likely responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, and therefore is sometimes used as an alternative remedy for a variety of ailments including asthma, arthritis and colitis.
Administration
Boswellia may be taken as an herbal tincture or as a tablet. RxList states that the appropriate dose of boswellia depends on the patient's age and other factors, and adds that there is not enough scientific information to determine how much of this herb you should use. However, UMMC suggests taking 550 mg of boswellia three times per day for up to six weeks to alleviate colitis symptoms.
Effectiveness
RxList states there is insufficient evidence to show that bowellia is an effective colitis treatment. In addition, research published in the April 2005 issue of the "American Journal of Physiology, Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology" found that use of this herb does not ameliorate symptoms of colitis and may even become hepatotoxic at higher doses. However, the study was carried out in a chemically-induced mouse model, not in humans with the condition. In contrast, however, results from a clinical study published in the January 1997 issue of the "European Journal of Medical Research" show that boswellia is as effective as sulfasalazine, a prescription drug used to treat ulcerative colitis.
Side Effects
RxList notes that although boswellia is likely safe for most people, it may cause side effects, including abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. Drugs.com adds that there have been no reports that side effects have necessitated stopping boswellia treatment. However, do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- RxList: Indian Frankincense
- "American Journal of Physiology, Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology; "Effects of Boswellia Serrata in Mouse Models of Chemically Induced Colitis; P.R. Kiela; April 2005
- "European Journal of Medical Research;" Effects of Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis; I. Gupta et al; January 1997
- Drugs.com: Indian Frankincense
