The antidote to inflammatory bowel disease is hiding in your fruit basket: Study reveals

The strawberry tree extract can help in treating ulcerative colitis, a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease, a new study finds.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is among the most painful and debilitating digestive disorders, affecting millions worldwide. Interestingly, strawberries may offer an underrated remedy. A recent May 2025 study led by Soumaya Wahabi from the University of Jendouba suggests that extracts from the strawberry tree could provide a protective effect against ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis, a type of IBD, is a chronic condition characterised by abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, loss of mucosal integrity, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. It causes severe inflammation in the digestive tract and significantly impacts quality of life.

Findings of the study:

Ulcerative colitis is a subtype of inflammatory bowel diseases that affect the colon and rectum, significantly bringing down a person’s quality of life. While the main cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, scientists believe that environmental and genetic factors can trigger this condition.

To understand how strawberry tree extract can help in treating ulcerative colitis, scientists injected the extract into rats with laboratory-induced ulcerative colitis.

30 male rats were divided into six groups for the experiment. One group was referred to as a healthy control, and another group that could induce colitis. For the rest of the four groups, the strawberry tree extract was injected in different doses.

Here's how strawberry tree extract can help in treating inflammatory bowel disease.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.