Persian Traditional Medicine in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: a Case Report

Background and objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Herbal medicines such as Persicaria bistorta, Pistacia lentiscus, Punica granatum, and Myrtus communis manifesting a variety of pharmacological properties and effects, have been widely implicated in the treatment of UC. We report a case of UC in a 42-year-old male patient. Methods: The patient presented frequent passage of bloody stool, severe cramping, and abdominal pain. This was accompanied by fatigue, excessive mucus, and pus in the stool. He had a 12 years prehistoric diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and received conventional therapy, which yielded no improvement in the symptoms. His regimen was then switched to the Persian traditional treatment employing the “Sahj” formula (including Persicaria bistorta, Pistacia lentiscus, Boswellia frereana, Punica granatum, and Myrtus communis) for 4 months. Results: After 18 days of traditional therapy with “Sahj” tablet, there was a significant improvement in his UC symptoms as evidenced in the increased frequency of his bowel movements (twice daily), absence of bloating, cramping, or abdominal pain and a normal bloodless stool. A colonoscopy report and digital rectal examination 4 months post-treatment, revealed a normal perianal area, cecum, and terminal ileum. Conclusion: The results suggest that the Persian traditional “Sahj” medicine possesses pharmacological properties that render it effective in the treatment of UC and mucosal diseases. However, further clinical trials are needed to evaluate and confirm the efficacy and safety of “Sahj” therapy.