“The potential curative effect of galangin against experimentally induced ulcerative colitis”

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic autoimmune disorders characterized by relapsing remitting inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The 2 most common forms of IBDs are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Symptoms of IBDs include abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, loss of appetite, and uncontrollable weight loss. Patients suffering from UC and CD have high risk of developing colorectal cancer. The incidence of IBDs is in a continuous state of increase. The pathophysiology of IBDs is known to be complicated and to involve the interaction between genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Unfortunately, IBDs are lifelong diseases that, till now, have no cure. Current treatment strategies are used to either induce or maintain remission. Treatment options include drugs like aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, antibiotics, and biologic therapy; surgery; or both. However, current treatments yield undesirable side effects that could lead to patient non-compliance. Therefore, research is required to investigate the therapeutic potential of new, natural compounds that could have lower side effects and better safety. Galangin is a promising flavonoid that is derived from many natural sources like honey bee propolis and the