Functional foods, conventional treatment and bioactive compounds, assist in management of inflammatory bowel disease

Background:Ulcerative colitis, ileal, and colonic Crohn’s disease are the most common inflammatory bowel diseases (IBS). The etiology of this group of diseases is complex and is still not entirely elucidated. Nonetheless, IBS is at least partially attributed to microbiota imbalance, which leads to an abnormal immune response. Due to the gravity of this condition, its impact of quality of life, and its increasing incidence, many investigations have been conducted with respect to conventional and alternative treatments. While conventional medicine is partially beneficial, it is unable to completely control the disease. Frequent relapses, symptomatology often persists. Specific diets, functional foods, and herbal medicine may offer a solution to restore intestinal microbiota and gut health and ameliorate some symptomatology. This review will focus on the diagnosis and management of IBD with respect to functional foods, bioactive compounds, and the potential of conventional treatment. Keywords: IBD, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammation, treatment, microbiota, functional foods, bioactive compounds, bioactive ingredients, remission, effect.