Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by ulceration of the tissue of the large intestine. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but medications including aminosalicylates, biologic agents and immune system suppressants help alleviate symptoms and may also bring on disease remission. Some herbal supplements, including turmeric, may also help alleviate symptoms. However, conclusive proof that turmeric is an effective treatment for ulcerative colitis is lacking. Do not not use it in place of prescription treatments and get medical advice before including it in your treatment plan.
Properties
Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, is native to parts of Asia and Africa and is commonly used as a food favoring and as a clothing dye. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it is also used as a complementary medicine for several ailments including infections, cancer and inflammation. It may also help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. It contains a host of active ingredients, although a compound known as curcumin likely confers the majority of turmeric's therapeutic effects.
Administration
Turmeric is usually supplied as a powder but is also available in capsules. The UMMC website suggests taking 1 g to 2g of turmeric daily to reduce inflammation. Bear in mind that the amount of curcumin, turmeric's active compound, may vary from one supplement to another so where possible, choose a standardized turmeric supplement. Your age and general health may also influence how much turmeric you need to take. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking turmeric.
Effectiveness
Studies evaluating the role of turmeric in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are limited. However, the results of a clinical study in 89 patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis, published in the December 2006 issue of "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology," show that turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, helps maintain disease remission. The results of an animal study published in the June 2009 issue of "Food and Chemical Toxicology," also found that curcumin may help protect against ulcerative colitis.
Considerations
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that turmeric is likely safe for most adults, but adds that taking high doses or using it for prolonged periods may cause mild side effects including indigestion and diarrhea. Don't take turmeric if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also avoid it if you have gallbladder disease as it may make your condition worse.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology"; Curcumin Maintenance Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis: Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; H. Hanai et al.; December 2006
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; Prophylactic Role of Curcumin in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Murine Model; H,M. Arafa et al.; June 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric
- RxList: Turmeric
