Does olive oil reduce Crohn's imflammation?

Olive oil from Wikipedia

Polyphenol from Wikipedia

"Olive oil, extra virgin" from the world's healthiest foods
"The anti-inflammatory strength of olive oil rests on its polyphenols. These anti-inflammatory compounds include at least nine different categories of polyphenols and more than two dozen well-researched anti-inflammatory nutrients. Research has documented a wide variety of anti-inflammatory mechanisms used by olive oil polyphenols to lower our risk of inflammatory problems. These mechanisms include decreased production of messaging molecules that would otherwise increase inflammation (including TNF-alpha, interleukin 1-beta, thromboxane B2, and leukotriene B4); inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclo-oxygenase 1 and cyclo-oxygenase 2; and decreased synthesis of the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase.
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These anti-inflammatory benefits of extra virgin olive oil do not depend on large levels of intake. As little as 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil per day have been shown to be associated with significant anti-inflammatory benefits."

Does black cumin seed oil improve Crohn's symptoms?

Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Seed Oil from Wikipedia
"The oil contains melanthin, nigilline, damascenine and tannins. Melanthin is toxic in large doses and nigelline is paralytic, so this spice must be used in moderation."

"Effect of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa)  Seed Oil on  Gastric Tissue in Experimental Colitis" in Advances in Environmental Biology (2011) [full text]
"The oil of NS is so beneficial due to its content of over 100 components such as aromatic oils, trace elements, vitamins and enzymes. It contains 58% of essential fatty acids including omega 6 and omega 3. These are necessary for the forming of prostaglandin E1 that balances and strengthens the immune system giving it the power to prevent infections and allergies and
control chronic illnesses.
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Excessive production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, leukotriene B4 and platelet activating factor, and the presence of highly activated inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages are common characteristic of ulcerative colitis [7,11,21]. Accordingly in the present study, serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 increased in TNBS [trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid] induced colitis group. This inflammatory status has been reversed by NS [nigella sativa]oil.  Moreover increased serum LDH [lactate dehydrogenase] activity of the colitis group decreased with NS oil administration which shows the improved tissue damage by NS oil.
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The use of natural anti-inflammatory products provides an attractive and relatively non-toxic alternative to modulate inflammatory disorders.  Consequently NS may have an important role in modulating the inflammatory response of the gastric tissue in colitis."

"Protective Effects of Nigella Sativa on Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats" in Journal of Investigative Surgery (2010)

"Our results suggest that NS treatment protected the rat's intestinal tissue against intestinal ischemia- reperfusion injury."

"Rat Plasma Oxidation Status After Nigella Sativa L. Botanical Treatment in CCL4-Treated Rats" in
Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods (2008)
"The results indicate the potential of NS [nigella sativa] in preventing CCL4-induced toxic nitrosative stress. It is concluded that NS has marked antioxidant potentials that may be beneficial in alleviating complications of many illnesses related to oxidative/nitrosative stress in humans, but preclinical safety measures should be completed before clinical trials."

"Emerging clinical and therapeutic applications of Nigella sativa in gastroenterology" in World J Gastroenterol. (2009)

"N. sativa decreases DNA damage and thereby prevents initiation of carcinogenesis in colonic tissue secondary to exposure to toxic agents such as azoxymethane[2]. ... These anti-carcinogenic effects are mediated in part by thymoquinone secondary to its inhibitory influence on the NF-κB activation pathway[6].
... In fact, N. sativa attenuates the damage to β-cells of the pancreas following exposure to toxic elements such as cadmium[9]. Similarly, N. sativa administration attenuates the ulcerative effects of ethanol on gastric mucosa by decreasing the glutathione-S transferase levels in gastric mucosa[10].
Besides these effects, N. sativa also demonstrates anti- parasitic effects. For instance, its administration decreases the number of eggs as well as worms in schistosomiasis, which tends to affect hepatic and intestinal tissues[11]. In addition, N. sativa attenuates the side effects associated with some common medications used by gastroenterologists. For instance, cyclosporine, used by gastroenterologists for disorders such as recalcitrant Crohn’s disease, is often associated with nephrotoxic side effects, which can be limited by N. sativa due to its anti-oxidant properties[12]....
Thymoquinone, derived from N. sativa, has also been demonstrated to induce apoptosis of human colon cancer cells[15]. The above examples clearly illustrate the massive clinical and therapeutic potential of N. sativa. Personally, I believe that the anti-carcinogenic effects of N. sativa hold the maximum therapeutic potential. Given the significant benefits associated with its administration, broad-spectrum studies are clearly and urgently needed to further assess and elaborate its therapeutic benefits in gastroenterology."

Do anthocyanin supplments improve Crohn's symptoms?

Anthocyanins from Wikipedia

"Effects of anthocyanin-rich tea “Sunrouge” on dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice" in Biofactors (2012)
"Sunrouge, an anthocyanin-rich tea, has similar levels of catechins as “Yabukita,” the most popular green tea cultivar consumed in Japan. Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) have attracted interest due to their potent antioxidative activities combined with a lack of side effects in humans at normal consumption levels. However, we previously reported that high doses (0.5 and 1%) of dietary GTPs can result in deterioration of colitis and failed to prevent colon carcinogenesis in inflamed colons. In the present study, we determined the inhibitory effects of Sunrouge on colitis in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated and untreated control mice. ... Those treated with DSS developed watery diarrhea and bloody stools, and showed body weight loss, spleen hypertrophy, and shortening of the colon, as well as deteriorations in survival rate, liver function, colon mucosal interleukin-1β level and expression of phase II detoxification enzyme mRNA. Sunrouge improved these DSS-induced symptoms, at least in part, whereas Yabukita showed either no effect or adverse effects in regard to some those parameters. It is suggested that the differences between Yabukita and Sunrouge on DSS-induced colitis might be due to the high levels of anthocyanins found in Sunrouge tea."

Are arginine and glutamate a dynamic duo?

See my post entitled "Do L-arginine supplements reduce Crohn's symptoms?" for specific benefits of L-arginine supplementation

See my post entitled "Do L-glutamine supplements reduce Crohn's symptoms?" for specific benefits of L-gluatmine supplementation.

"Uncoupling gene–diet interactions in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)" in Genes Nutr (2007)
"The amino acids arginine and glutamine are considered non-essential amino acids, but may be depleted during an immune response. Arginine is the sole substrate for nitric oxide synthase, necessary for the synthesis of nitric oxide that is secreted by macrophages to kill pathogens. Glutamine is a specific fuel for the proliferation of lymphocytes. Many sulphur amino acids act as substrates for acute phase protein and immunoglobulin synthesis, and the intake of these molecules is particularly important for glutathione production. An insufficient intake of sulphur amino acids will both exert a pro-inflammatory influence, and reduce the efficiency of the specific immune response."

"Combined Glutamine and Arginine Decrease Proinflammatory Cytokine Production by Biopsies from Crohn's Patients in Association with Changes in Nuclear Factor-κB and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways" in American Society for Nutrition (2008)
" Arghigh/Glnhighdecreased the production of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-6 (each P < 0.01). ... Combined pharmacological doses of Arg and Gln decreased TNFα and the main proinflammatory cytokines release in active colonic CD biopsies via NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways. These results could be the basis of prospective studies evaluating the effects of enteral supply of combined Arg and Gln during active CD."

"Combined infusion of glutamine and arginine: does it make sense?" in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care (2010)
"Recent findings: In addition to its role as a fuel, glutamine regulates gut barrier function, immuno-inflammatory response and antioxidant status. Arginine metabolism leads to nitric oxide and/or polyamines and thus modulates the immuno-inflammatory response and wound healing. Glutamine and arginine metabolism are closely related, and therefore may give additive or antagonist effects on several pathways. The effects of combined arginine and glutamine are still poorly documented. Combined administration of arginine and glutamine resulted in additive or synergistic effects on gut barrier function and inflammatory response but arginine reduced glutamine protection against oxidative stress. Preliminary data indicate that the combination may be beneficial during intestinal inflammation, whereas data in surgical or critically ill patients are still lacking.
Summary: Mostly speculative effects of combined infusion of arginine and glutamine are discussed. Future studies are needed in specific pathophysiological conditions to assess whether this combination is beneficial or detrimental."

"Potential for amino acid supplementation during Inflammatory Bowel Diseases" in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (2010)

"Experimental data evaluating pharmaconutrition with amino acids such as glutamine and arginine in colitis models are promising but further studies are required to evaluate the clinical effects of these amino acids. While modern therapies have improved efficacy, they are expensive and have some side effects. In contrast, amino acid supplementation would have a lower cost, but current clinical data do not support the use of amino acid supplementation in IBD. Future directions of research should be 1) to evaluate the combination of amino acids and to understand how they work; 2) to develop drug delivery and targeting issues to achieve adequate concentrations at the site of inflammation; 3) to study dose response and toxicity; and 4) to address the concept of combined treatment associating nutrient and drug."

"Glutamine and Whey Protein Improve Intestinal Permeability and Morphology in Patients with Crohn's Disease:  A Randomized Controlled Trial" in Digestive Diseases and Sciences (2012)

"Intestinal permeability and morphology improved significantly in both glutamine and ACG."

Are resveratol and curcumin a dynamic duo?

"Curcumin and resveratrol inhibit nuclear factor-kappaB-mediated cytokine expression in adipocytes" in Nutrition and Metabolism (2008) [full article]

"Curcumin and resveratrol treatment inhibited NF-κB activation and resulted in a reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 gene expression (IC50 = 2 μM) and a reduction of secreted IL-6 and PGE2 (IC50 ~ 20 μM).
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Curcumin and resveratrol are able to inhibit TNFα-activated NF-κB signaling in adipocytes and as a result significantly reduce cytokine expression. These data suggest that curcumin and resveratrol may provide a novel and safe approach to reduce or inhibit the chronic inflammatory properties of adipose tissue.
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Both polyphenols have relatively short half-lives in vivo as they are rapidly metabolized to their glucuronide and sulfated forms. These metabolites, readily found in the circulation, typically demonstrate very low cell permeability and questionable bioactivity when compared to their unmetabolized forms. In spite of these hurdles, the in vivo efficacies of curcumin and resveratrol have been reproducibly shown by numerous investigators. Many challenges lie ahead in order to systematically and quantitatively address the pharmacokinetics of these natural products. Immediate questions that need to be addressed to improve on in vivo efficacy include, 1) do the metabolites of curcumin and resveratrol have comparable bioactivity with the parent compounds, 2) does the circulating pool of metabolites represent a source of inhibitor that can be modified to their more active forms, and 3) can chemical substitutions be made to the base structures of curcumin and resveratrol making them more active and less susceptible to conjugation."

Does stinging nettle reduce Crohn's symptoms?

Stinging Nettle from Wikipedia

"Ameliorative effect of IDS 30, a stinging nettle leaf extract, on chronic colitis" in International Journal of Colorectal Disease, Volume 20, Number 1 - SpringerLink
"The stinging nettle leaf extract, IDS 30, is an adjuvant remedy in rheumatic diseases dependent on a cytokine suppressive effect. ... The long-term use of IDS 30 is effective in the prevention of chronic murine colitis. This effect seems to be due to a decrease in the Th1 response and may be a new therapeutic option for prolonging remission in inflammatory bowel disease."

"The Effect of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) Seed Oil on Experimental Colitis in Rats" in Journal of Medicinal Food (2011)
"We found that UDO decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6], lactate dehydrogenase, triglyceride, and cholesterol, which were increased in colitis. UDO administration ameliorated the TNBS-induced [trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid ] disturbances in colonic tissue except for MDA [malondialdehyde]. In conclusion, UDO, through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, merits consideration as a potential agent in ameliorating colonic inflammation."