. 2021 May 7;79(1):76–93. doi: 10.1111/1747-0080.12672

TABLE 1.

Characteristics and findings of n = 9 included randomised controlled trials which examined orally consumed biophenol‐rich nutraceuticals in participants with inflammatory bowel disease

Characteristics	Intervention	Comparator	Outcomes ^a
Yarrow (Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch) ⁴⁴
DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Iran, N 49 (IG: n = 23, CG: n = 26), n = 9 (18%) attrition. Mild‐to‐moderate active UC: 53% F, μ34.5 y (range 19‐55 y). Funding and COI not described.	n = 20 at FU. Type: Capsule with 0.124 mg/g powdered caffeic acid extract from fresh aerial parts of A. Wilhelmsii C. Koch. Dose: 2 capsules/day (1 capsule BDS). Duration: 1 month.	n = 20 at FU. Type: Placebo capsule with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose powder. Dose: 2 capsules/day (1 capsule BDS). Duration: 1 month.	Adverse events: IG: n = 1/23. CG: 0/26. GIS—Partial Mayo Score (score ^b ): IG: baseline 5.35 ± 1.69, FU 2.45 ± 2.16, change −2.9 ± 0.46, P < .001. CG: baseline 5 ± 1.94, FU 2.65 ± 1.89, change −2.35 ± 0.46, P < .001. Inflammatory marker—CRP (mg/L): IG: baseline 5.4 ± 0.3, FU 2.6 ± 1.4, change −2.8 ± 5.88, P = .04. CG: baseline 0.5 ± 0.1, FU 0.65 ± 0.35, change 0.15 ± 5.88, P = .91. P = .12 between groups.
Aloe vera ⁴⁵
DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: United Kingdom, N = 44 (IG: n = 30, CG: n = 14), n:9 (20%) attrition. Mild‐to‐moderately active UC: 50%F, IG μ40 y (22‐76 y), CG μ36 y (20‐55 y). Independently funded. No COI declared.	n = 30 at FU. Type: Aloe Vera gel (>95% of active ingredient—active ingredient not specified). Dose: 100 mL BDS, Starting with 25 to 50 mL BDS. Duration: 4 weeks	n = 14 at FU. Type: Liquid placebo containing flavorings, no known active agents, matched for taste and appearance. Dose: Starting with 25 to 50 mL BDS. Duration: 4 weeks.	Adverse effects: IG: n = 6/30, CG: CG: 4/14. GIS—SCCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline median 6.5 (IQR: 5.2‐8.2), FU median 6.0 (IQR: 2.0‐9.0), change −0.5 ± 5.2, P = .01. CG: baseline 6.1 (4.7‐7.6), FU median 4.9 (IQR: 3.3‐7.5), change −1.2 ± 3.1 P = .33. Inflammatory marker—CRP (mg/L): IG: baseline median 5 (IQR: 4‐11), FU median 4 (IQR 4‐9), change −1 ± 4.4, P = .33. CG: baseline median 5 (IQR: 4‐8), FU median 4 (IQR: 3‐9), change −1 ± 3.7, P = .22. P > .05 between groups. Quality of life—IBDQ (score ^c ): IG: baseline median 4.4 (IQR: 3.2‐5.0), FU median 4.8 (3.8‐5.7), change 0.4 ± 1.4, P > .05. CG: baseline median 4.6 (IQR: 3.6‐5.1), FU median 5.8 (IQR: 4.8‐5.9), change 1.2 ± 0.8, P < .05).
Curcumin ⁴⁶
DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: India, N = 62 (IG: n = 29, CG: n = 33), n = 21 (34%) attrition. Mild‐to‐moderate UC: 34%F, IG μ36 ± 12 y, CG: μ34 ± 7 y. Independently funded, no COI declared.	n = 16 at FU. Type: Curcumin and mesalamine. Dose: 2.4 g/d (1 capsule TDS; each capsule 150 mg curcumin). Duration: 8 weeks	n = 25 at FU. Type: Placebo and mesalamine. Dose: 2.4 g/d (1 capsule TDS). Duration: 8 weeks	Adverse events: IG: 0/16, CG: 1/25. GIS—DAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 5.2 ± 2.0, FU 3.4 ± 3.1, change −1.8 ± 0.76, P = .711. CG: baseline 5.5 ± 1.9, FU 3.8 ± 2.8, change −1.7 ± 0.76, P = .711.
Mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) ⁴⁷ , ⁴⁸
DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Greece, N = 60 (IG = 33, CG = 27), n = 14 (23.3%) attrition. CD and UC: %F NR, 18‐67 y. Funding associated with test product; no COI declared.	n = 26 at FU (ITT used) Type: Natural mastiha tablets. Dose: 2.8 g/d (700 mg tablet QDS). Duration: 12 weeks.	n = 20 at FU (ITT used). Type: Placebo capsule. Dose: NR QDS. Duration: 12 weeks.	GIS—HBI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 7.8 ± 2.3, FU: 4.7 ± 3.8, change −3.1±4.1, P < .001. CG: baseline 6.1 ± 1.8, FU: 4.7 ± 2.6, change −1.4 ± 2.6, P = .055. P = .0635 between groups. GIS—Partial Mayo Score ^b : IG: baseline 2.8 ± 1.8, FU: 2.0 ± 1.3, change −0.9 ± 2.0, P = .481. CG: baseline 3.2 ± 2.0, FU: 2.2 ± 1.6, change −1.0 ± 2.1, P = .055. P = .324 between groups. Inflammatory marker—calprotectin (ug/g): IG: baseline 1688.6 ± 1712.4, FU: 2744 ± 4910.6, change 1055.4 ± 5043.1, P = .289. CG: 2170.6 ± 444.4, FU: 3598.5 ± 3620.4, change 1427.9 ± 5606.1, P = .029. P = .348 between groups. Inflammatory marker—IL6 (pg/mL): IG: baseline 11.5 ± 12.3, FU: 15.7 ± 13.3, change 4.2 ± 9.7, P = .021. CG: baseline 14.4 ± 16.8, FU: 24.3 ± 43.8, change 9.9 ± 33.6, P = .030. P = .955 between groups. Inflammatory marker—IL10 (pg/mL): IG: baseline 3.1 ± 2.7, FU: 3.1 ± 2.7, change 0.0 ± 3.6, P = .951. CG: baseline 8.8 ± 18.9, FU: 9.5 ± 20.1, change 0.6 ± 3.4, P = .454. P = .607 between groups. Inflammatory marker—CRP (mg/L): IG: baseline 6.8 ± 8.2, FU: 5.7 ± 5.9, P = .94, change −1.2 ± 8.3, P = .41. CF: baseline 6.4 ± 7.6, FU: 5.3 ± 4.8, P = .76, change −1.1 ± 8, P = .48. P = .79 between groups. Oxidative stress marker—oxLDL (U/l): IG: baseline 160.42 ± 34.26, FU: 140.12 ± 41.91, change −20.3 ± 51.7, P = .031. CG: baseline 135.3 ± 48.38. FU: 135.45 ± 38.92, change 0.15 ± 52.76, P > .05. P > .05 between groups. Quality of life—IBDQ (score ^c ): IG: baseline 145.2 ± 27.3, FU: 163.4 ± 30.6, change −18.3 ± 26.4, P = .0004. CG: baseline 144.9 ± 27.3, FU: 155.1 ± 33.3, change −10.2 ± 43.6, P = .23. P > .0.5 between groups.
Pomegranate peel ⁴⁹
DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Iran, N = 78 (IG: n = 39, CG: n = 39), n = 16 (21%) attrition. UC: 45%F, IG: μ41.7 y, CG: μ37.8 y. Independently funded. No COI declared.	n = 29 at FU. Type: Aqueous extract of the P. granatum peel. Dose: 8 mL syrup (6 g dry peel)/days (4 mL BDS). Duration: 4 weeks.	n = 33 at FU. Type: Placebo syrup: USP simple syrup formula + approved additives (Amaranth). Matched for appearance and smell. Dose: 8 mL of the placebo syrup (4 mL BDS). Duration: 4 weeks.	Adverse events: Urticaria: IG: n = 2/29, CG: n = 2/33. Nausea: IG: n = 2/29, CG: n = 1/33. Increased appetite: IG: n = 2/29, CG: n = 3/33. P > .05 between groups. GIS—LCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 6.34 ± 1.98, FU: 4.68 ± 3.48, change −1.68 ± 3.85, P = .019. CG: baseline 5.57 ± 1.75, FU 4.18 ± 2.62, change −1.39 ± 2.41, P = .002.
Resveratrol ⁵⁰
DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Iran, N = 56 (IG: n = 28, CG: n = 28), n = 3 (5%) attrition. Mild‐to‐moderate active UC: %F NR, IG: μ37.43 ± 16.54 y, CG: μ38.78 ± 11.65y. Independently funded. No COI declared.	n = 27 at FU (ITT). Type: Resveratrol supplements. Dose: 500 mg trans‐resveratrol, 1 capsule daily. Duration: 6 weeks.	n = 26 at FU (ITT). Type: Placebo capsule (medium chain triglycerides), 1 daily. Duration: 6 weeks.	Adverse events: IG: n = 0/28, CG: n = 0/28. GIS—SCCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 11.67 ± 2.72, FU: 8.14 ± 2.1, change −3.53 ± 1.81, P < .001. CG: baseline 10.88 ± 2.69, FU: 9.34 ± 2.65, −1.54 ± 1.81, P < .001. Oxidative stress marker—MDA (mmol): IG: baseline 5.62 ± 1.18, FU: 3.42 ± 1.01, change −2.2 ± 4.16, P = .0094. CG: baseline 5.26 ± 1.15, FU: 6.93 ± 1.12; change 1.67 ± 4.16, P = .0430. Oxidative stress marker—SOD (U/mL): IG: baseline 122.28 ± 11.55, FU 125.77 ± 10.97, change 3.49, P < .01. CG: baseline 120.94 ± 16.13, FU 113.47 ± 114.85, change −7.47, P < .01. P = .01 between groups. Oxidative stress marker—TAC (U/mL): IG: baseline 9.87 ± 1.51, FU: 11.97 ± 1.61, change −2.1 ± 2.9, P = .0007. CG: baseline 10.02 ± 2.02, FU 9.41 ± 1.82,change 0.61 ± 2.9, P = .2755. P < .001 between groups. Quality of life—IBDQ‐9 (score ^c ): IG: baseline 34.85 ± 7.67, FU: 47.64 ± 8.59, change 12.79 ± 8.74, P < .01. CG: baseline 35.67 ± 9.89, FU: 41.08 ± 8.59, change 5.41 ± 8.74, P < .01.
Resveratrol ⁵¹
DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Iran, N = 50 (IG: n = 25, CG: n = 25), n = 1 (2%) attrition. Mild to moderate active UC: %F NR, IG μ38 y, CG μ39 y. Funding and COI not described.	n = 25 at FU. Type: Resveratrol capsule. Dose: 500 mg/d/capsule, 1 daily. Duration: 6 weeks.	n = 24 at FU. Type: Placebo capsule (medium‐chain triglyceride) Dose: NR, 1 daily. Duration: 6 weeks.	GIS—SCCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 12.34 ± 2.51, FU: 8.41 ± 2.1, change −3.93 ± 2.23, P < .001. CG: baseline 10.76 ± 2.55, FU: 9.34 ± 2.65, change −1.42 ± 2.23, P < .001. P < .001 between groups. Inflammatory marker—CRP (ng/ml): IG: baseline 4764.25 ± 2260.48, FU: 2584.50 ± 1792.80, change −2179.75. CG: baseline 3158.67 ± 2419.55, CU 3538.42 ± 2348.93, change 389.75. P < .001 between groups. Inflammatory marker—TNF‐α (pg/mL): IG: baseline 19.70 ± 12.80, FU: 17.20 ± 10.09, change −2.5, P < .01. CG: 20.53 ± 13.34, FU: 23.59 ± 14.82, change 3.06, P < .01. P≤ .001 between groups. Quality of life—IBDQ‐9 (score ^c ): IG: baseline 32.72 ± 7.52, FU: 47.64 ± 8.59, change 14.92 ± 10.9, P < .01. CG: baseline 35.54 ± 9.50, FU: 41.08 ± 8.59, change 5.54 ± 10.91, P < .01. P < .001 between groups.
Wheat grass ⁵²
DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Israel, N = 24 (IG: n = 12, CG: n = 12)m n = 3 (12%) attrition. Active UC, involving left colon: 33%F, μ35 y. Funding and COI not described.	n = 10 at FU. Type: 100 mL unstandardised fresh wheat grass juice. Dose: Increased from 20 mL/d, optimal dose 100 mL/d by d 5. Duration: 4 weeks.	n = 11 at FU. Type: Placebo juice. Dose: Increased from 20 mL/d, optimal dose 100 mL/d by d 5. Duration: 4 weeks.	Adverse events: IG: n = 7/10, CG: n = 0/11.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) ⁵³
DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Iran, N = 64 (IG: n = 32, CG: n = 32), n = 18 (28.1%) attrition. CD and UC: 35%F, IG: μ41.4 y, CG: μ39.2 y. Independently funded. No COI reported.	n = 24 at FU. Type: Fried ginger powder capsule. Dose: 2000 mg/d (500 mg/capsule QID). Duration: 12 weeks.	n = 24 at FU. Type: Placebo (maltodextrin powder) capsule. Dose: 2000 mg/d (500 mg/capsule QID). Duration: 12 weeks.	GIS—SCCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 7.6 ±4.03, FU 4.05 ± 1.23, change −3.55 ± 3.56, P = .438. CG: baseline 6.2 ± 3.22, FU 5.55 ± 2.39, change −0.65 ± 3.56, P = .194. P = .017 between groups. Oxidative stress marker—MDA (mmol): IG: baseline 8.33 ± 1.82, FU: 3.87 ± 1.95, change −4.46 ± 2.84, P = .016. CG: baseline 7.88 ± 2.24, FU 6.38 ±2.42, change −1.5 ± 2.84, P = .000. P < .001 between groups. Oxidative stress marker –TAC (U/mL): IG: baseline 1.9 ± 1.2, FU: 2.16 ± 1.16, −0.26 ± 0.58, P = .04. CG: baseline 1.99 ± 1.33, FU: 2.17 ± 1.17, change −0.18 ± 0.58, P = .14. P = 0.64 between groups. Quality of life: IBDQ (score ^c ): IG: baseline 44.22 ± 9.79, FU 47.23 ± 9.24, change 3.01 ± 9.6, P = .039. CG: baseline 43.12 ± 6, FU 41.87, change −1.25 ± 9.6, P = .636. P = .140 between groups.

Characteristics

Intervention

Comparator

Outcomes ^a

Yarrow (Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch) ⁴⁴

DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Iran, N 49 (IG: n = 23, CG: n = 26), n = 9 (18%) attrition.

Mild‐to‐moderate active UC: 53% F, μ34.5 y (range 19‐55 y).

Funding and COI not described.

n = 20 at FU.

Type: Capsule with 0.124 mg/g powdered caffeic acid extract from fresh aerial parts of A. Wilhelmsii C. Koch.

Dose: 2 capsules/day (1 capsule BDS).

Duration: 1 month.

n = 20 at FU.

Type: Placebo capsule with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose powder.

Dose: 2 capsules/day (1 capsule BDS).

Duration: 1 month.

Adverse events: IG: n = 1/23. CG: 0/26.

GIS—Partial Mayo Score (score ^b ): IG: baseline 5.35 ± 1.69, FU 2.45 ± 2.16, change −2.9 ± 0.46, P < .001. CG: baseline 5 ± 1.94, FU 2.65 ± 1.89, change −2.35 ± 0.46, P < .001.

Inflammatory marker—CRP (mg/L): IG: baseline 5.4 ± 0.3, FU 2.6 ± 1.4, change −2.8 ± 5.88, P = .04. CG: baseline 0.5 ± 0.1, FU 0.65 ± 0.35, change 0.15 ± 5.88, P = .91. P = .12 between groups.

Aloe vera ⁴⁵

DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: United Kingdom, N = 44 (IG: n = 30, CG: n = 14), n:9 (20%) attrition.

Mild‐to‐moderately active UC: 50%F, IG μ40 y (22‐76 y), CG μ36 y (20‐55 y).

Independently funded. No COI declared.

n = 30 at FU.

Type: Aloe Vera gel (>95% of active ingredient—active ingredient not specified).

Dose: 100 mL BDS, Starting with 25 to 50 mL BDS.

Duration: 4 weeks

n = 14 at FU.

Type: Liquid placebo containing flavorings, no known active agents, matched for taste and appearance.

Dose: Starting with 25 to 50 mL BDS.

Duration: 4 weeks.

Adverse effects: IG: n = 6/30, CG: CG: 4/14.

GIS—SCCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline median 6.5 (IQR: 5.2‐8.2), FU median 6.0 (IQR: 2.0‐9.0), change −0.5 ± 5.2, P = .01. CG: baseline 6.1 (4.7‐7.6), FU median 4.9 (IQR: 3.3‐7.5), change −1.2 ± 3.1 P = .33.

Inflammatory marker—CRP (mg/L): IG: baseline median 5 (IQR: 4‐11), FU median 4 (IQR 4‐9), change −1 ± 4.4, P = .33. CG: baseline median 5 (IQR: 4‐8), FU median 4 (IQR: 3‐9), change −1 ± 3.7, P = .22. P > .05 between groups.

Quality of life—IBDQ (score ^c ): IG: baseline median 4.4 (IQR: 3.2‐5.0), FU median 4.8 (3.8‐5.7), change 0.4 ± 1.4, P > .05. CG: baseline median 4.6 (IQR: 3.6‐5.1), FU median 5.8 (IQR: 4.8‐5.9), change 1.2 ± 0.8, P < .05).

Curcumin ⁴⁶

DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: India, N = 62 (IG: n = 29, CG: n = 33), n = 21 (34%) attrition.

Mild‐to‐moderate UC: 34%F, IG μ36 ± 12 y, CG: μ34 ± 7 y.

Independently funded, no COI declared.

n = 16 at FU.

Type: Curcumin and mesalamine.

Dose: 2.4 g/d (1 capsule TDS; each capsule 150 mg curcumin).

Duration: 8 weeks

n = 25 at FU.

Type: Placebo and mesalamine.

Dose: 2.4 g/d (1 capsule TDS).

Duration: 8 weeks

Adverse events: IG: 0/16, CG: 1/25.

GIS—DAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 5.2 ± 2.0, FU 3.4 ± 3.1, change −1.8 ± 0.76, P = .711. CG: baseline 5.5 ± 1.9, FU 3.8 ± 2.8, change −1.7 ± 0.76, P = .711.

Mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) ⁴⁷ , ⁴⁸

DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Greece, N = 60 (IG = 33, CG = 27), n = 14 (23.3%) attrition.

CD and UC: %F NR, 18‐67 y.

Funding associated with test product; no COI declared.

n = 26 at FU (ITT used)

Type: Natural mastiha tablets.

Dose: 2.8 g/d (700 mg tablet QDS).

Duration: 12 weeks.

n = 20 at FU (ITT used).

Type: Placebo capsule.

Dose: NR QDS.

Duration: 12 weeks.

GIS—HBI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 7.8 ± 2.3, FU: 4.7 ± 3.8, change −3.1±4.1, P < .001. CG: baseline 6.1 ± 1.8, FU: 4.7 ± 2.6, change −1.4 ± 2.6, P = .055. P = .0635 between groups.

GIS—Partial Mayo Score ^b : IG: baseline 2.8 ± 1.8, FU: 2.0 ± 1.3, change −0.9 ± 2.0, P = .481. CG: baseline 3.2 ± 2.0, FU: 2.2 ± 1.6, change −1.0 ± 2.1, P = .055. P = .324 between groups.

Inflammatory marker—calprotectin (ug/g): IG: baseline 1688.6 ± 1712.4, FU: 2744 ± 4910.6, change 1055.4 ± 5043.1, P = .289. CG: 2170.6 ± 444.4, FU: 3598.5 ± 3620.4, change 1427.9 ± 5606.1, P = .029. P = .348 between groups.

Inflammatory marker—IL6 (pg/mL): IG: baseline 11.5 ± 12.3, FU: 15.7 ± 13.3, change 4.2 ± 9.7, P = .021. CG: baseline 14.4 ± 16.8, FU: 24.3 ± 43.8, change 9.9 ± 33.6, P = .030. P = .955 between groups.

Inflammatory marker—IL10 (pg/mL): IG: baseline 3.1 ± 2.7, FU: 3.1 ± 2.7, change 0.0 ± 3.6, P = .951. CG: baseline 8.8 ± 18.9, FU: 9.5 ± 20.1, change 0.6 ± 3.4, P = .454. P = .607 between groups.

Inflammatory marker—CRP (mg/L): IG: baseline 6.8 ± 8.2, FU: 5.7 ± 5.9, P = .94, change −1.2 ± 8.3, P = .41. CF: baseline 6.4 ± 7.6, FU: 5.3 ± 4.8, P = .76, change −1.1 ± 8, P = .48. P = .79 between groups.

Oxidative stress marker—oxLDL (U/l): IG: baseline 160.42 ± 34.26, FU: 140.12 ± 41.91, change −20.3 ± 51.7, P = .031. CG: baseline 135.3 ± 48.38. FU: 135.45 ± 38.92, change 0.15 ± 52.76, P > .05. P > .05 between groups.

Quality of life—IBDQ (score ^c ): IG: baseline 145.2 ± 27.3, FU: 163.4 ± 30.6, change −18.3 ± 26.4, P = .0004. CG: baseline 144.9 ± 27.3, FU: 155.1 ± 33.3, change −10.2 ± 43.6, P = .23. P > .0.5 between groups.

Pomegranate peel ⁴⁹

DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel: Iran, N = 78 (IG: n = 39, CG: n = 39), n = 16 (21%) attrition.

UC: 45%F, IG: μ41.7 y, CG: μ37.8 y.

Independently funded. No COI declared.

n = 29 at FU.

Type: Aqueous extract of the P. granatum peel.

Dose: 8 mL syrup (6 g dry peel)/days (4 mL BDS).

Duration: 4 weeks.

n = 33 at FU.

Type: Placebo syrup: USP simple syrup formula + approved additives (Amaranth). Matched for appearance and smell.

Dose: 8 mL of the placebo syrup (4 mL BDS).

Duration: 4 weeks.

Adverse events: Urticaria: IG: n = 2/29, CG: n = 2/33. Nausea: IG: n = 2/29, CG: n = 1/33. Increased appetite: IG: n = 2/29, CG: n = 3/33. P > .05 between groups.

GIS—LCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 6.34 ± 1.98, FU: 4.68 ± 3.48, change −1.68 ± 3.85, P = .019. CG: baseline 5.57 ± 1.75, FU 4.18 ± 2.62, change −1.39 ± 2.41, P = .002.

Resveratrol ⁵⁰

DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel:

Iran, N = 56 (IG: n = 28, CG: n = 28), n = 3 (5%) attrition.

Mild‐to‐moderate active UC: %F NR,

IG: μ37.43 ± 16.54 y, CG: μ38.78 ± 11.65y.

Independently funded. No COI declared.

n = 27 at FU (ITT).

Type: Resveratrol supplements.

Dose: 500 mg trans‐resveratrol, 1 capsule daily.

Duration: 6 weeks.

n = 26 at FU (ITT).

Type: Placebo capsule (medium chain triglycerides), 1 daily.

Duration: 6 weeks.

Adverse events: IG: n = 0/28, CG: n = 0/28.

GIS—SCCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 11.67 ± 2.72, FU: 8.14 ± 2.1, change −3.53 ± 1.81, P < .001. CG: baseline 10.88 ± 2.69, FU: 9.34 ± 2.65, −1.54 ± 1.81, P < .001.

Oxidative stress marker—MDA (mmol): IG: baseline 5.62 ± 1.18, FU: 3.42 ± 1.01, change −2.2 ± 4.16, P = .0094. CG: baseline 5.26 ± 1.15, FU: 6.93 ± 1.12; change 1.67 ± 4.16, P = .0430.

Oxidative stress marker—SOD (U/mL): IG: baseline 122.28 ± 11.55, FU 125.77 ± 10.97, change 3.49, P < .01. CG: baseline 120.94 ± 16.13, FU 113.47 ± 114.85, change −7.47, P < .01. P = .01 between groups.

Oxidative stress marker—TAC (U/mL): IG: baseline 9.87 ± 1.51, FU: 11.97 ± 1.61, change −2.1 ± 2.9, P = .0007. CG: baseline 10.02 ± 2.02, FU 9.41 ± 1.82,change 0.61 ± 2.9, P = .2755. P < .001 between groups.

Quality of life—IBDQ‐9 (score ^c ): IG: baseline 34.85 ± 7.67, FU: 47.64 ± 8.59, change 12.79 ± 8.74, P < .01. CG: baseline 35.67 ± 9.89, FU: 41.08 ± 8.59, change 5.41 ± 8.74, P < .01.

Resveratrol ⁵¹

DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel:

Iran, N = 50 (IG: n = 25, CG: n = 25), n = 1 (2%) attrition.

Mild to moderate active UC: %F NR, IG μ38 y, CG μ39 y.

Funding and COI not described.

n = 25 at FU.

Type: Resveratrol capsule.

Dose: 500 mg/d/capsule, 1 daily.

Duration: 6 weeks.

n = 24 at FU.

Type: Placebo capsule (medium‐chain triglyceride)

Dose: NR, 1 daily.

Duration: 6 weeks.

GIS—SCCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 12.34 ± 2.51, FU: 8.41 ± 2.1, change −3.93 ± 2.23, P < .001. CG: baseline 10.76 ± 2.55, FU: 9.34 ± 2.65, change −1.42 ± 2.23, P < .001. P < .001 between groups.

Inflammatory marker—CRP (ng/ml): IG: baseline 4764.25 ± 2260.48, FU: 2584.50 ± 1792.80, change −2179.75. CG: baseline 3158.67 ± 2419.55, CU 3538.42 ± 2348.93, change 389.75. P < .001 between groups.

Inflammatory marker—TNF‐α (pg/mL): IG: baseline 19.70 ± 12.80, FU: 17.20 ± 10.09, change −2.5, P < .01. CG: 20.53 ± 13.34, FU: 23.59 ± 14.82, change 3.06, P < .01. P≤ .001 between groups.

Quality of life—IBDQ‐9 (score ^c ): IG: baseline 32.72 ± 7.52, FU: 47.64 ± 8.59, change 14.92 ± 10.9, P < .01. CG: baseline 35.54 ± 9.50, FU: 41.08 ± 8.59, change 5.54 ± 10.91, P < .01. P < .001 between groups.

Wheat grass ⁵²

DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel:

Israel, N = 24 (IG: n = 12, CG: n = 12)m n = 3 (12%) attrition.

Active UC, involving left colon: 33%F, μ35 y.

Funding and COI not described.

n = 10 at FU.

Type: 100 mL unstandardised fresh wheat grass juice.

Dose: Increased from 20 mL/d, optimal dose 100 mL/d by d 5.

Duration: 4 weeks.

n = 11 at FU.

Type: Placebo juice.

Dose: Increased from 20 mL/d, optimal dose 100 mL/d by d 5.

Duration: 4 weeks.

Adverse events: IG: n = 7/10, CG: n = 0/11.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) ⁵³

DBPCRCT, 2‐arms, parallel:

Iran, N = 64 (IG: n = 32, CG: n = 32), n = 18 (28.1%) attrition.

CD and UC: 35%F, IG: μ41.4 y, CG: μ39.2 y.

Independently funded. No COI reported.

n = 24 at FU.

Type: Fried ginger powder capsule.

Dose: 2000 mg/d (500 mg/capsule QID).

Duration: 12 weeks.

n = 24 at FU.

Type: Placebo (maltodextrin powder) capsule.

Dose: 2000 mg/d (500 mg/capsule QID).

Duration: 12 weeks.

GIS—SCCAI (score ^b ): IG: baseline 7.6 ±4.03, FU 4.05 ± 1.23, change −3.55 ± 3.56, P = .438. CG: baseline 6.2 ± 3.22, FU 5.55 ± 2.39, change −0.65 ± 3.56, P = .194. P = .017 between groups.

Oxidative stress marker—MDA (mmol): IG: baseline 8.33 ± 1.82, FU: 3.87 ± 1.95, change −4.46 ± 2.84, P = .016. CG: baseline 7.88 ± 2.24, FU 6.38 ±2.42, change −1.5 ± 2.84, P = .000. P < .001 between groups.

Oxidative stress marker –TAC (U/mL): IG: baseline 1.9 ± 1.2, FU: 2.16 ± 1.16, −0.26 ± 0.58, P = .04. CG: baseline 1.99 ± 1.33, FU: 2.17 ± 1.17, change −0.18 ± 0.58, P = .14. P = 0.64 between groups.

Quality of life: IBDQ (score ^c ): IG: baseline 44.22 ± 9.79, FU 47.23 ± 9.24, change 3.01 ± 9.6, P = .039. CG: baseline 43.12 ± 6, FU 41.87, change −1.25 ± 9.6, P = .636. P = .140 between groups.

Abbreviations: BDS, twice daily; CD, Crohn's disease; CG, control group; COI, conflict of interest; CRP, c‐reactive protein; DAI, disease activity index; d, day; DBPCRCT, double blind placebo controlled randomised controlled trial; F, female; FU, follow‐up; GIS, gastrointestinal symptoms; HBI, Harvey‐Bradshaw Index; IBDQ, inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire; IG, intervention group; IQR, interquartile range; ITT, intention to treat; LCAI, Lichtiger colitis activity index; MDA, malondialdehyde; NR, not reported; QDS, four times daily; SCCAI, Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index; SOD, superoxide dismutase; TAC, total antioxidant capacity; TDS, thrice daily; TNF‐α, tumour necrosis factor alpha; UC, ulcerative colitis; y, years.

^{^a}

Continuous outcome data reported as mean (μ) ± SD and categorical outcome data reported as number of events/number of participants, unless otherwise specified.

^{^b}

Higher score indicates worse symptoms/activity.

^{^c}

Higher score indicates better symptoms.