Strawberry Tree Extract & IBD: Nature’s New Ally in Gut Health

Hint: This Mediterranean marvel might be the plant-based game-changer we didn’t know we needed.

If you’ve been exploring herbs and botanicals for digestive wellness, you’ve likely encountered familiar names: turmeric, slippery elm, and marshmallow root. But right now, a lesser-known Mediterranean plant called the strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo, is stealing the spotlight — and for good reason.

A recent pre-clinical study reveals that an extract from this evergreen (not the tropical strawberry!) may help protect against ulcerative colitis in rat models — almost as effectively as a prescription drug. While we’re still waiting on human trials, the findings are too compelling to ignore.

Let’s break down the science, the mechanisms, and what it could mean for botanical-based IBD support.

Meet the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)

Native to the Mediterranean basin and Western Europe, A. unedo produces strawberry-like fruit and glossy evergreen leaves. Traditionally, its fruit and bark have been used in folk remedies for gastrointestinal, urinary, and inflammatory conditions.

Unlocking the Potential

Today, researchers are digging deeper, unlocking its pharmacological potential. What’s caught their attention? A rich profile of polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids — think quercetin, rutin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid — all packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power.

The Study: Strawberry Tree vs. Ulcerative Colitis

Published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, this study used a rat model of ulcerative colitis induced by acetic acid. Here’s what happened:

1. Pre-treatment: Rats received Arbutus unedo fruit extract before colitis was triggered.

2. Protection: These rats experienced 80% less colon damage, comparable to sulfasalazine (a standard IBD drug), which offered ~75% protection.

3. Reduced lesions: The extract significantly reduced mucosal lesions and maintained colon lining integrity.

4. Molecular changes:

5. Lower oxidative stress: Antioxidant enzymes were preserved and oxidative markers dropped.

7. Reduced inflammation: Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins were significantly decreased.

Researchers concluded that the extract prevents tissue damage and reduces inflammation without the harsh side effects associated with some medications.

Strawberry Plant

How It Works: Extracting the Mechanisms

1. Antioxidant Power

The extract replenishes catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduces harmful oxidation products, such as malondialdehyde. This action protects colon cells from free radical damage.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Action

It suppresses NF‑κB signaling (a central inflammation pathway) and downregulates TNF‑α and IL‑6 — key culprits in IBD flare-ups.

3. Mucosal Protection

By preserving mucosal architecture and reducing lesion severity, the extract acts as a physical barrier for gut lining cells.

Why This Matters for IBD Support

• Comparable to pharmaceuticals, but botanical. Matching sulfasalazine is no small feat; it hints at a powerful synergy of compounds working together.

• Multi-mechanistic: It doesn’t just mask symptoms; it supports tissue, quenches inflammation, and encourages cellular resilience.

• Gentler safety profile: No reported drug-level side effects, although safety in humans still needs validation.

  
  

What Still Needs to Happen

This is early-stage science. For human application, we need:

• Clinical trials confirming efficacy, safety, and correct dosing.

• Studies evaluating bioavailability and metabolism in humans.

• Comparisons with existing IBD medications.

• Insights on long-term use and interactions.

  
  

Still, this study is a clear invitation: nature’s pharmacy may hold botanical alternatives — or complements — to conventional IBD therapies.

Applying This at Home

While strawberry tree extract isn’t yet commercially available in mainstream IBD supplements, you can still:

1. Support your antioxidant intake by embracing Mediterranean staples, such as berries, leafy greens, olive oil, and turmeric. They offer similar phytochemical benefits.

2. Follow the Mediterranean diet: Research consistently aligns it with a reduced risk of IBD, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and gut-nourishing profile.

3. Watch for standardized strawberry tree supplements: Until human trials are underway, ensure any supplement contains Arbutus unedo with verified phenolic content.

4. Talk to your provider: Especially important if you're taking IBD meds — we don’t want any unexpected interactions.

   
   

Arbutus unedo isn’t just a charming Mediterranean shrub — it’s a botanical powerhouse. This research does not suggest that it replaces conventional IBD care. However, it opens a door to plant-based possibilities that weave together traditional wisdom and modern science.

So the next time you sip olive oil, snack on berries, or find yourself wandering Mediterranean landscapes, remember: nature’s pharmacy isn’t just floral — it’s rooted in resilience, diversity, and centuries of use.

🌿 Stay rooted, stay curious, and sip something wild.

💚

— Jodi @ HealWise

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Disclaimer:

1. This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or modifying any wellness protocol, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications. Animal research does not guarantee human outcomes. Botanical supplementation should be approached thoughtfully and personalized.

   
   

   Sources

- Wahabi S. et al. (2025) Protective effects of Arbutus unedo extract on acetic acid‑induced colitis in rats: histological, biochemical, and antioxidant assessments. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

- “Could a Mediterranean plant extract help treat IBD?” Medical News Today, May 24, 2025.

- Wiley press release, May 21, 2025.

- ReachMD coverage, May 22, 2025.

- StudyFinds report on strawberry tree and IBD.