HERBAL THERAPIES IN THE TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES: A HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY REVIEW

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) are chronic, relapsing disorders of the digestive tract, the etiology of which is complex and includes genetic, immunological, microbiological and environmental factors. Standard therapeutic options often have limited efficacy and significant side effects, which is why interest in complementary and alternative approaches, especially phytotherapy, is growing. Historically, medicinal plants have played a key role in the medical traditions of many civilizations, and modern research confirms the effectiveness of some herbal preparations in modulating the immune response, anti-inflammatory effects and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. This paper presents a historical overview of the use of plants in traditional medicine and modern knowledge about their role in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Special emphasis is placed on plants such as marshmallow, plantain, flax, licorice, sage, mint, cannabis and turmeric. Although the results of numerous studies confirm their potential in symptomatic relief and reducing inflammatory markers, additional randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm their safety and efficacy. The integration of phytotherapy into standard therapeutic protocols could represent a significant step forward in the holistic approach to patients with IBD.