A small red fruit native to the Mediterranean, long used in traditional remedies, may offer new hope for treating ulcerative colitis, a painful, chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting millions worldwide.
In a recent study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, researchers from the University of Jendouba in Tunisia found that extracts from the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) significantly reduced symptoms of colitis in laboratory rats. The extract not only lowered inflammation but also helped protect the intestinal lining, preserve tissue, and rebalance critical enzymes disrupted during flare-ups.
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Current treatments—while effective—can cause side effects like nausea, ulcers, or immune suppression. A safer, plant-based alternative could offer much-needed relief with fewer drawbacks.
In the study, rats were divided into groups and given either the colitis-inducing agent acetic acid, standard drug treatment (sulfasalazine), or strawberry tree extract at varying doses. The group receiving the highest dose of extract showed 80% protection against colon damage, outperforming sulfasalazine, which showed a 75% protection rate.
The berry’s benefits appear to stem from its high levels of antioxidants and natural anti-inflammatory compounds. The extract also helped restore normal calcium and iron levels in the blood and reduced biochemical markers of oxidative stress, key contributors to tissue damage in IBD.
While these findings are promising, researchers emphasize that human trials are needed. Still, this ancient fruit, already consumed in Mediterranean diets, could pave the way for more natural, complementary therapies to manage ulcerative colitis with fewer side effects.
