Natural Remedies for Gut Health: The Role of Plant Extracts in Combating Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colon Cancer

Digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer are among the most significant global health challenges, largely driven by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Over centuries, traditional medical systems have relied on medicinal plants to alleviate gastrointestinal conditions, and current pharmacological research is beginning to validate these ancestral practices. Many plants contain a rich diversity of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids, that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, making them promising candidates for complementary therapy. This review compiles and critically analyzes data from the past decade on plant extracts and isolated natural compounds tested in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo for their protective effects on intestinal health. Evidence consistently indicates that plant-derived molecules can suppress inflammatory mediators, modulate oxidative stress responses, restore epithelial barrier integrity, and induce apoptosis in neoplastic cells. Among these, polyphenols and flavonoids emerge as key contributors, demonstrating efficacy across multiple biological models. The findings support the growing integration of traditional herbal knowledge with modern biomedical science. Plant-based compounds represent not only valuable sources of therapeutic agents but also a foundation for developing functional foods and nutraceuticals aimed at reducing inflammation and preventing colon-related pathologies.