From Nature to Treatment: Unraveling the Healing Potential of Phytotherapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is an idiopathic, refractory disease that causes chronic inflammation of the entire alimentary canal. It is associated with two major disorders, namely, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Ulcerative Colitis,is responsible for long-term inflammation and soreness in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. In Crohn’s disease, the entire lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed, especially the terminal ileum of the small intestine. For the treatment of IBD, medical prescriptions include antibiotics, immunosuppressants, topical and systemic corticosteroids, 5-aminosalicylates, etc. However, all these medications have major side effects on human health. Besides these chemical treatments, phytotherapy can also be used as an alternative treatment. Some medicinal plants used  to treat IBD include Curcuma longa, Vacciniummyrtillus, Pistacialentiscus, Aloe vera, Boswelliaserrata, Triticumaestivum (wheatgrass), Hordeumvulgare (germinated Barley foodstuff) , Commiphorawightii, Matricariachamomilla, Glycyrrhizaglabra, Althaea officinalis, Plantagopsyllium, etc. Nowadays, phytotherapy is gaining more attention for the treatment of various diseases owing to its being safer and cheaper than conventional drugs. This paper highlights the competence of phytotherapy in the treatment of IBD by shedding light on its efficacy and adequacy.