A groundbreaking study led by the University of Toronto has identified a compound in ginger, furanodienone (FDN), as a promising treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Published in Nature Communications, the research highlights how FDN binds to the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a nuclear receptor that regulates inflammation, to reduce colon inflammation without harmful side effects.
The study demonstrated that oral injections of FDN in mice decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and repaired gut lining damage by boosting tight junction proteins. Unlike current IBD treatments, which often suppress the immune system or harm liver function, FDN offers a safer, cost-effective alternative derived from natural sources.
With IBD rates rising globally due to dietary changes, this discovery underscores the potential of natural products in developing precise and accessible therapies. For more details, visit ScienceDaily.