Overview of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine and rectum. It is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remission, and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. (Tang et al., 2022), (Tang et al., 2022), (Tang et al., 2022), (Ou et al., 2023), (Alaaeldin et al., 2023), .

Conventional Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

Conventional treatments for ulcerative colitis include aminosalicylates (e.g., mesalamine), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. These medications can help manage symptoms and induce remission, but they are often associated with side effects and may not be effective for all patients. (Tang et al., 2022), (Tang et al., 2022), (Alaaeldin et al., 2023).

Herbal Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used to treat ulcerative colitis for centuries, and some studies have suggested that certain herbal remedies may be effective in managing the condition. (Tang et al., 2022), (Ou et al., 2023), (Choi et al., 2023), .

Potential Mechanisms of Action

Herbal medicines may work through various mechanisms to alleviate the symptoms and underlying causes of ulcerative colitis, such as:

• Reducing inflammation: Certain herbs, such as Coptidis Rhizoma and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce intestinal inflammation. (Ou et al., 2023), (Choi et al., 2023).
• Modulating the immune system: Some herbs may help regulate the immune system and restore the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, which can be dysregulated in ulcerative colitis. (Ou et al., 2023), (Tang et al., 2022).
• Improving intestinal barrier function: Certain herbs may help strengthen the intestinal barrier and prevent the entry of harmful substances, which can contribute to the development of ulcerative colitis. (Alaaeldin et al., 2023).

Commonly Used Herbs and Herbal Formulas

Some of the commonly used herbs and herbal formulas for the treatment of ulcerative colitis include:

• Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim. (Huangqi): This herb has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and may help relieve abdominal pain and hematochezia in active ulcerative colitis. (Ou et al., 2023).
• Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (Kushen): This herb has been used in TCM to treat various inflammatory conditions, including ulcerative colitis, and may help alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and hematochezia. (Ou et al., 2023).
• Granati Pericarpium (Shiliupi): This herb has been used in TCM to treat intestinal inflammation and may help relieve abdominal pain and hematochezia in active ulcerative colitis. (Ou et al., 2023).
• Cotyledon Fimbriata Turcz. (Wasong): This herb has been used in TCM to treat various gastrointestinal disorders and may help alleviate symptoms of active ulcerative colitis. (Ou et al., 2023).
• Chaigui Ganjiang Decoction: This herbal formula has been used in TCM to treat ulcerative colitis and has been shown to be effective in improving clinical symptoms and reducing inflammatory markers. (Tang et al., 2022), (Tang et al., 2022).

Clinical Evidence and Limitations

Several studies have investigated the use of herbal medicines for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, and some have reported promising results. However, the evidence is still limited, and more high-quality clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of these treatments. (Tang et al., 2022), (Choi et al., 2023), (Li & Wang, 2022).

Additionally, the composition and quality of herbal medicines can vary, and the active compounds responsible for their therapeutic effects are not always well-understood. This can make it challenging to standardize and reproduce the results of herbal medicine studies. (Ou et al., 2023).

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal remedies may offer a promising alternative or complementary approach to the management of ulcerative colitis. While the evidence is still limited, some herbs and herbal formulas have shown potential in alleviating the symptoms and underlying causes of the disease. However, more high-quality clinical research is needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of these treatments. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers before using any herbal or alternative therapies for ulcerative colitis.