Protocol · Digestive Health
Ulcerative Colitis Adjunctive Support Protocol
Curcumin and Probiotics (VSL#3 / High-Dose Multi-Strain) are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Ulcerative Colitis Adjunctive Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 2 graded · 1 confirmed study
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Curcumin | Amount listed: 1–3 g daily with piperine or as highly bioavailable formulation | Potent anti-inflammatory that may help maintain remission and reduce disease activity in UC
| Grade C for Inflammation3 studies · 89 people | ||
| Probiotics (VSL#3 / High-Dose Multi-Strain) | Amount listed: VSL#3: 450–3,600 billion CFU daily; or other high-potency multi-strain (100+ billion CFU) | High-potency probiotics may help induce and maintain remission by restoring gut microbiome balance | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce colonic inflammation; supports mucosal healing | Not graded yet | ||
| Andrographis (King of Bitters) | Amount listed: 1,200–1,800 mg HMPL-004 extract daily | Anti-inflammatory herb that has shown benefit for mild to moderate UC in clinical trials | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–5,000 IU daily (target 40–50 ng/mL) | Deficiency common in UC and associated with disease activity; may have immunomodulatory effects | Not graded yet | ||
| Psyllium (Plantago ovata) | Amount listed: 10–20 g daily (increase gradually; ensure adequate hydration) | Soluble fiber ferments to butyrate which nourishes colonocytes; may help maintain remission
| Not graded yet | ||
| Boswellia Serrata | Amount listed: 300–400 mg standardized extract 3× daily | Anti-inflammatory herb that inhibits 5-lipoxygenase; studied for IBD | Not graded yet | ||
| Resveratrol | Amount listed: 200–500 mg daily | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that may reduce disease activity and oxidative stress
| Grade B for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms1 study · 105 people | ||
| Aloe Vera Gel | Amount listed: 100 mL oral gel twice daily | May have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on colonic mucosa | Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Aloe Vera Gel (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Ulcerative Colitis. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
The supplement in this protocol graded A or B. Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade B
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgency. UC goes through periods of flare-ups and remission. While medication is the mainstay of treatment, certain supplements may help reduce inflammation, support the gut lining, and maintain remission.
CRITICAL: UC is a serious medical condition requiring gastroenterologist care. Standard treatments include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics depending on severity. These supplements are ADJUNCTIVE—they support but don't replace medical treatment. Always inform your GI doctor about supplements.
- Curcumin (from turmeric) is one of the most promising supplements for UC. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the same inflammatory pathways targeted by some UC medications. Clinical trials show that curcumin added to standard therapy helps maintain remission and may help induce remission. Use a bioavailable formulation for best absorption.
- Probiotics, especially high-dose formulations like VSL#3, have strong evidence for UC. The gut microbiome is altered in UC, and restoring beneficial bacteria may reduce inflammation and support the gut barrier. VSL#3 has been studied specifically for UC and pouchitis (inflammation after surgery).
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids have anti-inflammatory effects that may help with UC, though clinical evidence is mixed. They may help reduce the inflammatory response in the colon and support mucosal healing.
- Andrographis (HMPL-004) is a traditional herb that has shown benefit in clinical trials for mild to moderate UC. It works through anti-inflammatory mechanisms similar to mesalamine.
- Vitamin D deficiency is very common in UC (both cause and effect—inflammation interferes with absorption). Low vitamin D is associated with more disease activity and higher relapse rates. Maintaining adequate levels may help reduce inflammation.
- Psyllium is a soluble fiber that ferments in the colon to produce butyrate, the preferred fuel for colonocytes (colon cells). Butyrate supports the gut barrier and has anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show psyllium may help maintain remission—comparable to mesalamine in one trial.
- Boswellia Serrata is an Ayurvedic herb with anti-inflammatory effects. It inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, reducing leukotrienes that contribute to inflammation.
- Resveratrol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Early clinical trials suggest it may help reduce disease activity in UC.
- Aloe Vera Gel has traditional use for gut soothing. One clinical trial showed it helped reduce UC activity, though more research is needed.
Expected timeline: Curcumin: 4-8 weeks for anti-inflammatory effects. Probiotics: 2-4 weeks to shift microbiome. These supplements support long-term maintenance alongside medical therapy.