Colon Inflammation Dropped 87%, Basic Research Found

This St. Patrick’s Day, we celebrate the healing prowess of cabbage, one of the traditional staples of Irish cuisine. Like other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, cabbage contains powerful phytochemicals with possible anti-cancer effects. Science continues to investigate the potential of these compounds to counter ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that significantly increases the risk of colon cancer.

In earlier studies, scientists at South Dakota State University gave cruciferous compounds to mice with ulcerative colitis. Among the more impressive findings was an 87% reduction in colon inflammation after five days of observation. The compounds appeared to work in a dose-dependent manner and helped suppress genes associated with inflammation.

More recent research published in Frontiers in Nutrition helps explain how this may work. When cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables are chopped or chewed, they form a natural compound called sulforaphane. Scientists have found that sulforaphane switches on a built-in protective system in our cells known as Nrf2. You can think of Nrf2 as a master control switch that turns up the body’s antioxidant defenses and turns down inflammatory signals. A 2022 review in Frontiers in Immunology highlights how this process may help calm intestinal inflammation and strengthen the gut lining, offering a clearer explanation for why cruciferous compounds have shown promise in colitis research.

While more research is needed to confirm these benefit findings in humans, there are plenty of reasons to eat more cruciferous vegetables, and cabbage in particular. One cup of cabbage provides about 80% of the daily value for vitamin K, 50% for vitamin C and 10% for folate for only 20 calories. 

Try an unconventional approach to a time-honored dish with this recipe for Unstuffed Cabbage.

Bonus: Asparagus may be another vegetable to include this St. Patrick’s Day, especially if you are celebrating with Irish ale. Recent laboratory research continues to explore asparagus extract for its antioxidant properties and potential role in protecting liver cells from oxidative stress.

Published March 1st, 2026