Probiotics May Promote Colitis Recovery

A type of probiotic bacteria may help treat colitis, a recent study on mice suggests.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are naturally present in the digestive tract. When taken in supplement form, probiotics are said to boost immunity and enhance digestive health.

In the recent study, scientists focused on mice with colitis (a condition marked by inflammation of the colon). A form of inflammatory bowel disease, colitis often results in painful sores, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramping, and weight loss.

Study results showed that a probiotic called Bacillus polyfermenticus helped reduce rectal bleeding and inflammation in the mice. The study also found that mice treated with the probiotic gained more weight and had greater angiogenesis (a process necessary for wound-healing) in their colon tissue when compared to mice that didn't receive Bacillus polyfermenticus.

Past studies indicate that aloe vera and boswellia may also benefit colitis patients.