Irritable bowel disease (IBD) affects more than 1.6 million people in the United States. This includes more than 700,000 people with Crohn’s disease and more than 900,000 people with ulcerative colitis. In Europe the estimates are that more than 3.5 million people are affected with IBD.
The cause remains unknown, however, there is strong evidence suggesting that the condition is associated with the environment, diet and lifestyle choices.
Another underlying cause of IBD may be oxidative stress or damage from free radicals. Free radicals left unchecked can lead to high levels of inflammation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine tested the herb nettle (Urtica dioca) for relieving symptoms of IBD.
Here are more articles about Nettles for helping improve your health.
Here are the study details
Study Design: Double blind randomized placebo controlled study
Patients: 59 patients diagnosed with IBD were enrolled in the study
Study agent: Urtica dioica leaves were collected from the North Iranian provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran, and identified by a botanist.
Tablets of hydroalcoholic nettle extract and placebo were prepared. The nettle leaves were washed, dried and then ground into a powder. The powder was percolated with a 70% ethanol in a 1:1 ratio (ethanol to powder). Tablets were produced, each containing 400 mg of this hydroethanolic nettle extract.
Dose: Each patient receiving Nettle extract took 3 tablets with each tablet containing 400 mg of nettle extract daily. Total daily dose was 1,200 mg of Nettle extract.
Here are more clinical trials testing resveratrol, berberine and other plants for IBD and improving digestion.
Here are the results of Nettles with IBD
– Nettle extract reduced serum C-reactive protein (CRP) by 33%. The placebo group had a 13% increase in CRP.
Click here for information about how nettles can improve your allergies!
– Nettle extract increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 35%. The placebo group had no improvement in SOD.
– Nettle extract the IBD questionnaire-9 by 11 points. The placebo group had no improvement in the IBD questionnaire-9
Here are what the authors had to say
A three month treatment with a nettle leaf extract led to decreased levels of hs-CRP and platelet counts, and increased levels of SOD in patients with IBD, demonstrating its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
And
Furthermore, the 12-week intervention showed that the treatment with the nettle extract demonstrated a clinical improvement in their IBD and quality of life, as demonstrated by increased scores on the IBDQ-9 questionnaire when compared to placebo, without the report of any adverse effects.
Take away message
Nettle has been used as an herbal medicine for inflammatory conditions including allergies, arthritis, urinary tract infections, and more. Taken by mouth this study suggests that 8 to 12 grams of dried nettle leaf taken daily is safe and tolerable. Further research is needed, however, the results of this study suggest Nettle leaf extract may be an herbal medicine that might help control symptoms of IBD.
Another benefit of nettles shown in clinical trials is the reduction of allergy symptoms.
Reference
Effects of Urtica dioica leaf extract on inflammation, oxidative stress, ESR, blood cell count and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Herbal Medicine. Volume 9, 2017, Pages 32-41
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Antioxidant, Digestion, Inflammation
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