Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that impacts the colon, ulcers, causing inflammation, and related symptoms like bloody stool. Treatment options include medications, surgeries, and diet modifications to avoid triggering symptoms. Recent studies presented at the Crohn’s and Colitis Congress 2023 found that an herbal combination called CurQD, made up of curcumin and QingDai, effectively reduced the severity of ulcerative colitis and induced remission.
Impact and Treatment
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that can cause many undesirable symptoms, including abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, bloody stool, and malaise. Some people with ulcerative colitis may experience times without symptoms and when symptoms flare up. Treatment can include medicines, surgeries, and dietary interventions.
Researchers are still working to comprehend the most efficacious medicines to treat ulcerative colitis, and one area of interest is how herbal medicines may help people with ulcerative colitis.
CurQD Study
Two studies explored using the herbal combination CurQD to treat ulcerative colitis. CurQD comprises curcumin, the component in turmeric, and QingDai, a traditional Chinese medicine extracted from plants such as true indigo. The first study was a clinical test that was broken into two parts. The second analysis was a retrospective multi-center Israeli cohort study. Study authors Prof. Ben-Horin and Nir Salomon demonstrated that “the CurQD protocol was used in patients with moderate-severe activity, of whom about 50% were unresponsive to treatment with biologics and immunomodulators which means an even more severe condition.” Both studies reveal that CurQD may help some people handle ulcerative colitis.
Limitations and Continuing Research
Both studies had limitations that indicate the need for further research, such as relatively small sample sizes. Additional research can define if this herbal combination or others may be effective in the treatment of other diseases of the digestive tract.
If different results verify the findings from these studies, it could direct more people to use CurQD to treat ulcerative colitis and help people gain remission. Prof. Ben-Horin and Salomon also noted plans for further collaboration and research: “We have started developing a network of leading IBD professionals in the U.S. interested in offering this botanical choice to their patients. This will further boost our knowledge regarding additional patients who can benefit from CurQD, such as pouchitis patients.”
CurQD May Be Used as Add-On Adjunct Treatment
Prof. Ben-Horin and Salomon noted that CurQD had been used as an adjunct add-on treatment in their clinical trials and clinical practice for over six years, which means it can be used with other IBD medications when these medications do not achieve the goal of obtaining remission.
The researchers further explained that their vision is to explore and promote natural plant remedies in the conventional scientific way, as they did with CurQD. They have plans for further research and collaboration to increase their knowledge about additional patients who can benefit from CurQD, such as those with pouchitis.
Natural Remedies for Inflammatory Conditions
Jesse Feder, a registered dietitian nutritionist, who was not part of this research, defined that herbal or natural remedies have long been utilized as homeopathic means of treating specific diseases and health conditions.
The study used a plant compound called QingDai and curcumin found in turmeric. QingDai is a popular natural plant compound used to help treat inflammatory conditions, that includes ulcerative colitis. Curcumin is also very popular as an anti-inflammatory compound for treating inflammatory conditions.
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Further Research Can Determine the Effectiveness of Herbal Combinations
While the studies on CurQD indicate promising results, further research is still needed to determine its effectiveness. Both studies had relatively small sample sizes, which indicates the need for more diverse, larger studies in the future. Studies with longer-term follow-up may also be necessary.
Overall, using herbal medicines to help handle ulcerative colitis interests researchers. The recent studies on the effectiveness of CurQD provide promising results, and further research can define if this herbal combination or others may be effective in the treatment of other diseases of the digestive tract.
Herbal medicines have been used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. With modern research and technology, researchers can investigate the effectiveness of these traditional remedies in treating modern health conditions.
Ulcerative colitis is challenging to manage, and the current treatment options have limitations. CurQD has demonstrated promising results in reducing the severity of ulcerative colitis and inducing remission.
It is essential to remember that CurQD is not a replacement for the current treatment options available but rather an adjunct treatment. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider before using complementary or alternative medicines.
Natural plant remedies such as CurQD offer a new approach to treating inflammatory conditions. Further research may discover more effective treatments with fewer side effects than traditional medicines.
Natural Plant Remedies for Colitus
The studies on CurQD demonstrate promising results in treating ulcerative colitis. While further research is necessary, the potential for natural remedies in treating inflammatory conditions offers new hope for patients. The research done on CurQD can lead to more people using natural plant remedies for colitis and other inflammatory conditions. As research into natural remedies continues, it is important to remember that a holistic approach to healthcare involves combining traditional and modern treatment options.
People with ulcerative colitis can work with their healthcare providers to find the best treatment options for their unique situation. The recent studies on the effectiveness of CurQD provide new hope for those seeking alternative or complementary treatment options.
In summary, the studies on CurQD, an herbal combination of curcumin and QingDai, have shown promising results in reducing the severity of ulcerative colitis and inducing remission. Further research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of this and other herbal combinations in treating other digestive tract disorders. With the potential for fewer side effects, natural plant remedies offer a new approach to treating inflammatory conditions and provide new hope for people seeking alternative or complementary treatments.
See also: An Overview of Trigger Point Dry Needling.
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