Curcumin for Prevention of Relapse in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

UC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder with relapsing and remitting course. The efficacy of mesalazine in preventing relapse in patients with UC is well-known and supported by randomized studies. However, mesalazine can be associated with side-effects. In addition, drug compliance is suboptimal, especially when disease is not active. Curcumin is a natural phytochemical derived from the Indian spice turmeric. It is widely used, has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-tumour properties. The aims of this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial is to assess the efficacy of curcumin in the prevention of relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).