Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
06:19
Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Published on: May 16, 2025
Moxibustion for ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Dong-Hyo Lee1, Jong-In Kim, Myeong Soo Lee
1Division of Standard Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
BMC Gastroenterology
|April 9, 2010
Summary
Moxibustion shows potential benefits for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment, but current evidence is limited. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Integrative Medicine
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is rising for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Acupuncture-type treatments, including moxibustion, are popular CAM options for IBD.
- Previous studies suggest moxibustion may be effective for ulcerative colitis (UC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and assess the clinical evidence for moxibustion in treating ulcerative colitis (UC).
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion as a therapeutic option for UC patients.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature search across 18 databases up to February 10, 2010.
- Included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing moxibustion to placebo, drug therapy, or no treatment in UC patients.
- Assessed the methodological quality of included RCTs using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.
Main Results:
- Five low-quality RCTs were identified, comparing moxibustion with conventional drug therapies (sulfasalazine-based).
- Meta-analysis of these five RCTs (n=407) indicated a favorable effect of moxibustion on response rates compared to conventional therapy (RR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.11-1.38).
- Significant heterogeneity was not observed (I2=16%), but all included trials had a high risk of bias.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence is insufficient to establish moxibustion as an effective treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC).
- The majority of included studies suffered from a high risk of bias, limiting the reliability of the findings.
- Further rigorous, high-quality randomized clinical trials are necessary to definitively determine the efficacy of moxibustion for UC.
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.
01:20Inflammatory 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...
01:20Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents
The gastric mucosa produces prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2), crucial in maintaining gastric health. They exert cytoprotective effects, including increasing bicarbonate secretion, releasing protective mucin, reducing gastric acid output, and preventing harmful vasoconstriction. These effects are mediated through various receptors, such as EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
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...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
Medical treatment strategies for peptic ulcers encompass various methods. The primary goal of treatment is to diminish gastric acidity and strengthen mucosal defense mechanisms.
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...