Effects of an Oral Supplementation of Germinated Barley Foodstuff on Serum CRP Level and Clinical Signs in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

Background: The present study was aimed to determine the effect of Germinated Barley Foodstuff (GBF) administration on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and clinical signs in patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC).

Methods: Forty-six patients were randomly allocated into GBF group and control group. Subjects in control group received only conventional drug therapy, while the GBF group received 30g GBF per day (3 times a day) by oral administration during 2 month along with routine medications.

Results: The mean serum CRP in the GBF group decreased significantly (P=0.017) compared with the baseline. Although the frequency of clinical signs including the number of episodes diarrhea, degree of visible blood in stool, degree of abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia decreased in the GBF group but it was statistically significant only in the case of abdominal pain and cramping. However, this reduction was only significant in the case of abdominal pain and cramping (P=0.016) CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of GBF along with the current medication may be efficient in attenuating the inflammation and clinical signs of UC patients.