Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, impact the daily lives of over 200,000 people in France, according to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). Current treatments, often based on biotherapies, aim to control inflammation but their effectiveness often diminishes after two years, leaving patients in a therapeutic deadlock.
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However, a glimmer of hope emerges from the University of Missouri, where a team of researchers is exploring the benefits of a natural approach to alleviate the symptoms of IBD. Their study, published in the
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, highlights the unexpected virtues of red cabbage juice.
Professor Santayana Rachagani, one of the study's authors, explains that red cabbage juice acts by altering the composition of the intestinal microbiota. By increasing the presence of beneficial bacteria, it promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids and other beneficial metabolites that mitigate inflammation. These changes in the microbiota are associated with an improvement in intestinal barrier function, increased colon repair, and antioxidant effects, which reduce intestinal damage and colon inflammation.
Results obtained from mice offer promising prospects for patients with IBD. Indeed, red cabbage juice appears to promote an anti-inflammatory immune balance by stimulating the production of regulatory T cells, which reduce colon inflammation. This natural approach could thus provide an alternative to conventional treatments, often limited in their long-term effectiveness.
The researchers also emphasize that red cabbage juice is rich in bioactive compounds and dietary fibers, making it a valuable ally for intestinal health. This discovery opens new perspectives in the field of nutraceuticals by highlighting the therapeutic potential of natural foods in treating chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND