Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disorder characterized by oxidative stress, white blood cell infiltration and increased inflammation in the colon. Resveratrol, a polyphenol antioxidant compound found in grapes and wine, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor and immune regulation properties that may benefit some ulcerative colitis patients.
Oxidative Damage
Resveratrol reduced oxidative damage, a complication of ulcerative colitis that causes recurrence and progression of the disease, in a study on laboratory animals published in the May 2010 issue of the journal "Archives of Medical Research." In the study, resveratrol significantly inhibited severity of ulcerative colitis symptoms and decreased levels of oxidized lipids compared to a control group that did not receive resveratrol. Activity of tissue-destroying enzymes was decreased while activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione increased.
Immune Response
Researchers reported that resveratrol suppressed colitis and colon cancer in laboratory animals in a study published in the April 2011 issue of the journal "Cancer Prevention Research." Resveratrol mixed with food decreased alleviated symptoms of colitis, decreased inflammation, decreased activity of neutrophils and T cells, two kinds of white blood cells that become activated in ulcerative colitis. Inflammatory markers and signs of inflammatory stress were also decreased by resveratrol. Colon cancer risk, which is increased in chronic colitis, was decreased by 60 percent, in the study. Researchers concluded that resveratrol may be a useful, safe alternative therapy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Weight Loss
Resveratrol supplementation reduced chronic colon inflammation in a study published in the May 2010 issue of the "European Journal of Pharmacology." Doses of 20 mg per kg of diet for 30 days significantly decreased weight loss and diarrhea in laboratory animals. Pro-inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandins and COX-2 enzyme and tissue degrading enzymes were substantially reduced in the resveratrol group. Researchers concluded that resveratrol may offer a novel approach for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Anti-inflammatory
Resveratrol offers inflammatory benefits for ulcerative colitis, though its mechanisms are not fully understood, according to Bhaskar Banerjee, editor of the book "Nutritional Management of Digestive Disorders." In animal studies, resveratrol has been shown to reverse weight loss, improve stool consistency, repair damage to the lining of the colon and decrease inflammation. Human trials are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
References
- "Archives of Medical Research"; Anti-oxidant Effects of Resveratrol on Mice with Dss-induced Ulcerative Colitis; J. Yao, et al.; May 2010
- "Cancer Prevention Research"; Resveratrol Suppresses Colitis and Colon Cancer Associated with Colitis; X. Cui, et al.; April, 2010
- "European Journal of Pharmacology"; Dietary Supplementation of Resveratrol Attenuates Chronic Colonic Inflammation in Mice; S. Sánchez-Fidalgo, et al.; May 2010
- "Nutritional Management of Digestive Disorders"; Bhaskar Banerjee; 2010
