Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
06:19
Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Published on: May 16, 2025
Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Hiroyuki Hanai1, Takayuki Iida, Ken Takeuchi
1Department of Endoscopic and Photodynamic Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, and Center for Gastroenterology, Hamamatsu South Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
Summary
Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced relapse rates in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis (UC). This natural compound demonstrated safety and efficacy in maintaining remission, offering a promising therapeutic option for UC management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Curcumin, a phytochemical from turmeric, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
- Maintenance therapy is crucial for managing quiescent UC and preventing relapse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of curcumin as a maintenance therapy for patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis (UC).
- To assess the impact of curcumin on relapse prevention in UC patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial involving 89 patients with quiescent UC.
- Patients received either curcumin (1g twice daily) or placebo for 6 months, alongside standard therapy (sulfasalazine or mesalamine).
- Clinical Activity Index (CAI) and Endoscopic Index (EI) were monitored throughout the study.
Main Results:
- Curcumin group: 4.65% relapse rate vs. placebo group: 20.51% relapse rate (P=.040).
- Intention-to-treat analysis showed a significant difference in recurrence rates (P=.049).
- Curcumin significantly improved both CAI (P=.038) and EI (P=.0001), reducing UC-associated morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin is a safe and effective option for maintaining remission in patients with quiescent UC.
- The findings suggest curcumin's potential as a novel therapeutic agent for UC maintenance.
- Further research is recommended to validate and expand upon these promising results.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...