Strawberry Tree Extract as Potential Aid in Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Strawberry Tree Extract as Potential Aid in Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Approximately 4.9 million people worldwide were living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 2019. This condition, which encompasses both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the digestive system. While there is no definitive cure for ulcerative colitis, it can be managed through medication, surgery, and dietary modifications.

Previous research has demonstrated that consuming specific nutrients can alleviate some of the symptoms related to ulcerative colitis. These include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and iron, as well as probiotic foods and supplements.

A recent study published in the scientific journal Cell Reports has suggested that an extract from the Mediterranean plant known as the strawberry tree, or Arbutus unedo, may hold potential for preventing and treating ulcerative colitis. This extract has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The research team focused on the aqueous extract from the strawberry tree's fruit, known for its high antioxidant content and traditional medicinal use in the Mediterranean region and Western Europe. The extract contains phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids (cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, syringic acid, and chlorogenic acid), and flavonoids (rutin, catechin, myricetin, naringenin, and quercetin).

These compounds have been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation - major factors contributing to the development of ulcerative colitis.

Using a mouse model, researchers found that pretreatment with the strawberry tree extract helped to prevent changes in the lining of the colon, as well as decreased the development of colonic lesions when compared to mice that did not receive the extract. This finding suggests the potential for the extract to protect the colon from damage and reduce the severity of ulcerative colitis.

Additionally, mice pretreated with strawberry tree extract had lower expression levels of specific proteins promoting oxidative stress and inflammation, indicating its potential role in reducing these harmful processes.

While more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which the extract exerts its effects, researchers plan to conduct further studies using human cell models to validate its therapeutic potential in treating gastrointestinal diseases.

Integrative medicine physician Jillian Cohen expressed enthusiasm about this research, stating that the findings were both promising and encouraging. She noted the potential anti-inflammatory effects of the natural compound and its support for evidence-based, integrative approaches to managing complex chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis.

For those who may not have access to the Mediterranean strawberry tree, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) suggested adding foods with similar beneficial properties to one's diet, such as asparagus, avocados, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, okra, spinach, beans, beets, bone broth, chicken/turkey, eggs, fish, lentils, tofu, grapes, green tea, turmeric, apples, onions, leafy greens, and tea for resveratrol, EGCG, curcumin, and quercetin. It is essential to consult with an RDN for individualized recommendations based on one's specific needs, current condition, and food access.

1. The digestive system is affected by chronic medical-conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that afflicted approximately 4.9 million people worldwide in 2019.
2. Scientific research has demonstrated that specific nutrients can alleviate symptoms connected to ulcerative colitis, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, probiotic foods, and supplements.
3. A recent study published in Cell Reports suggests that an extract from the Mediterranean plant, Arbutus unedo, may potentially prevent and treat ulcerative colitis, given its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. The research team focused on the aqueous extract from the strawberry tree's fruit, known for its high antioxidant content and traditional medicinal use in the Mediterranean region and Western Europe.
5. The strawberry tree extract, with its phenolic compounds like phenolic acids (cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, syringic acid, and chlorogenic acid), and flavonoids (rutin, catechin, myricetin, naringenin, and quercetin), showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
6. These compounds can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, major contributors to the development of ulcerative colitis.
7. In a mouse model, researchers found that pretreatment with the strawberry tree extract helped prevent changes in the colon's lining and reduced the development of lesions, compared to mice not given the extract.
8. This finding suggests the potential of the extract to protect the colon from damage and decrease the severity of ulcerative colitis.
9. Mice pretreated with the strawberry tree extract showed lower expression levels of proteins promoting oxidative stress and inflammation, indicating its potential role in reducing these harmful processes.
10. While additional studies are necessary to fully understand the mechanisms by which the extract exerts its effects, researchers intend to conduct further studies using human cell models to assess its therapeutic potential for treating gastrointestinal diseases.
11. The findings from this research have garnered enthusiasm from integrative medicine physician Jillian Cohen, who saw potential anti-inflammatory effects in the natural compound and its support for evidence-based, integrative approaches to managing complex chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis.
12. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) suggest that individuals without access to the Mediterranean strawberry tree can include foods with similar beneficial properties in their diet, such as asparagus, avocados, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, okra, spinach, beans, beets, bone broth, chicken/turkey, eggs, fish, lentils, tofu, grapes, green tea, turmeric, apples, onions, leafy greens, and tea for resveratrol, EGCG, curcumin, and quercetin.
13. Consulting an RDN for individualized recommendations based on one's specific needs, current condition, and food access is crucial.
14. In the realm of nutrition, science continues to examine the impact of food choices on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, and others.
15. As part of a holistic approach to health and wellness, fitness, and exercise function as important elements for overall well-being, while also influencing chronic-disease management.
16. Climate change can affect the production, distribution, and affordability of food, negatively impacting nutrition and thus global public health.
17. A shift towards renewable energy and sustainable farming practices can help mitigate climate change, contributing to long-term food security and improved nutrition.
18. In the manufacturing sector, innovation drives the creation of eco-friendly and energy-efficient products, while also addressing issues like waste management and responsible sourcing.
19. Skin care plays a significant role on one's sense of self and confidence, with the industry emphasizing the use of safe, natural, and ethical ingredients.
20. When considering therapies and treatments for a wide range of medical-conditions, advancements in medical science often lead to better patient outcomes, improved quality of life, and lowered healthcare costs.
21. Nutritional science has seen significant advancements, as evidenced by the growing understanding of the impact of nutrition on chronic diseases like ulcerative colitis.
22. Government bodies like Medicare play a crucial role in providing healthcare coverage and enabling access to care for millions.
23. CBD, a derivative of the cannabis plant, has gained attention for its potential role in managing symptoms of various medical-conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain.
24. Environmental science is dedicated to understanding and addressing environmental challenges, like climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity, through research, policy development, and advocacy.
25. An increasing awareness of and interest in finance, particularly among younger generations, has led to the growth of personal finance education and resources, such as blogs, podcasts, and online courses.
26. As industries evolve, businesses must adapt to current trends and consumer demands, including sustainability, social responsibility, and digital transformation, to stay competitive.
27. The housing market, a vital component of the economy, is influenced by factors like interest rates, economic growth, and demographic changes.
28. Personal finance is closely related to areas such as investing, wealth management, and home and garden improvement, all of which require knowledge, planning, and responsible decision-making.
29. With the expansion of technology, new industries have emerged, such as artificial intelligence (AI), data and cloud computing, gadgets, smartphones, and smart home devices, each presenting unique opportunities for entrepreneurship, career growth, and innovation in various sectors, like fashion and beauty, automotive, small business, and interior design.

Read also: