Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the active compounds in the cannabis plant. There is very little research on the use of CBD oil for ulcerative colitis.
Animal studies suggest that it may reduce inflammation. A clinical trial also indicates that it may aid in the symptomatic treatment of ulcerative colitis.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved CBD to treat this condition. The agency also has concerns about the safety of CBD-containing products.
Read on to learn more about the potential benefits and risks of CBD oil for ulcerative colitis and some other remedies that can help you with the disease.
Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which the immune system causes inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine. Evidence shows that there are 37-246 cases per 100,000 people in North America. Symptoms of this condition include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
CBD is one of more than 70 different compounds from the Cannabis sativa plant. However, it does not produce the high “psychoactive” that people usually associate with cannabis. A 2018 animal study shows that CBD reduces inflammation, suggesting it may help people with ulcerative colitis.
In addition, a 2018 clinical trial reports that some people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis do not receive sufficient relief from symptoms using standard medications. The researchers compared the effects of a twice-daily dose of 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD-rich botanical extract with a placebo. They found no difference in remission rates between the CBD and placebo groups, but the results suggested that CBD may help provide symptomatic relief.
Because studies are limited, scientists still cannot determine if CBD oil works for ulcerative colitis. According to The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (CCF), there is no evidence that cannabis improves the condition and more research is needed.
In the previous 2018 clinical trial, participants did not well tolerate the 50 mg dose twice daily of CBD-rich extract. In fact, 90% reported side effects and some discontinued treatment. The most common side effect was dizziness, which disappeared after stopping treatment.
A 2017 review examined the safety of the CBD. He found that the most common side effects were diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite or weight. The authors add that, based on a small amount of data, CBD seems safe, but there are areas of concern that require additional studies.
However, the FDA’s position on CBD safety is inconsistent with the results of the 2017 review. It notes that CBD could harm people who take it and that these negative effects can occur before someone is aware of it. They include:
- liver injury
- male reproductive toxicity
- sedation that can cause injury when a person combines CBD with alcohol or drugs that treat anxiety and sleep disorders
In addition, CBD oil and other CBD products on the market have not been subject to evaluation by the FDA to determine the appropriate dose, the potential to cause drug interactions, or safety.
The following remedies can help with ulcerative colitis.
Probiotics
Each person’s body has an intestinal microbiome that comprises a mixture of beneficial and harmful strains. According to the CCF, people with inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD), including ulcerative colitis, have differences in intestinal bacterial strains compared to those without IBD. They also have fewer beneficial bacteria and less bacterial diversity.
When there is an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria, harmful strains grow and cause symptoms, such as diarrhea. However, probiotics can restore good bacteria and are generally safe. Sources of probiotics include yogurt, kefir, or probiotic supplements.
A 2017 review examined clinical trials evaluating probiotics for IBD. He highlighted 18 trials that showed they had significant positive effects for ulcerative colitis. Therefore, the authors concluded that they are beneficial for the disease.
Learn more about probiotics for ulcerative colitis.
Exercise
Exercise is a complementary therapy that can prevent relapses of IBD, such as ulcerative colitis, according to a 2017 study. After analyzing relevant research, the authors found data suggesting that exercise rates have a relationship. inverse with MII. This indicates that the more people exercise, the lower the risk of IBD.
While the safety of high-intensity exercise in people with IBD is unclear, moderate exercise is safe and beneficial. Studies also suggest that it can help with a person’s course of illness and quality of life.
Curcumin supplements
Curcumin is a component of the turmeric of spices. The CCF reports that limited studies indicate that curcumin may help with ulcerative colitis in combination with mesalamine, an anti-inflammatory drug. However, more research is needed to verify its effectiveness.
In addition, curcumin is safe when a person consumes food spices. However, supplements that contain large amounts of the substance can cause blood thinning, which can be a problem for some people. Researchers also don’t know if curcumin can be taken during pregnancy.
Learn more about remedies for ulcerative colitis.
The 2017 research reviewed studies on cannabis and its components, such as CBD. The results showed that the plant has a moderate value in:
- relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- reduction of chronic pain
- decreased spasticity related to multiple sclerosis
So far, the FDA has only approved one CBD product to treat certain types of seizures. It is also important to note that CBD-containing dietary supplements, such as CBD oil, have not been subject to an FDA evaluation for their effectiveness.
Learn more about the benefits of CBD.
The FDA does not sanction the use of CBD oil for ulcerative colitis, although very limited research suggests it may be helpful in relieving symptoms.
Because of the possible side effects of CBD, the FDA recommends that people consult a doctor before taking products that contain this ingredient.
If a person wants to try a natural remedy for ulcerative colitis, there are safer alternatives, including probiotics, exercise, and curcumin supplements.
