Efficacy of the Punica granatum peels aqueous extract for symptom management in ulcerative colitis patients. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

• Ulcerative colitis patients received Punica granatum peel extract or placebo.
• Clinical response was higher with P. granatum after 4 weeks treatment.
• Incontinence and needing anti-diarrhea drugs were improved only by P. granatum.
• Very few and mild side effects was observed with the P. granatum.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the Punica granatum peel extract on symptoms of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodPatients with UC were randomized to receive an aqueous extract of the P. granatum peel (6 g of dry peel/day) or placebo for four weeks complementary to standard medications. Symptoms were assessed using the Lichtiger Colitis Activity Index (LCAI) at baseline, week 4, and week 10 (follow-up). Clinical response was defined by ≥ 3 point decrease in LCAI.ResultsThe LCAI score was similarly reduced in both the P. granatum (−1.68 ± 3.85, P = 0.019) and placebo groups (−1.39 ± 2.41, P = 0.002). Clinical response was higher with P. granatum compared with placebo at week 4 (41.4% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.055), but not at week 10 (48.3% vs. 36.4%, P = 0.441).ConclusionsThe P. granatum peel extract seems effective in complementary management of UC. Further studies in a larger sample of patients are warranted. IRCT2014040617156N1.