The Impact of Probiotics Treatment in the Therapy of Ulcerative Colitis in Najaf City

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by relapsing colonic inflammation and impaired quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota play a key role in disease pathogenesis, and probiotics may offer therapeutic benefits by restoring microbial balance. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of oral probiotic supplementation in patients with mild to moderate UC in Najaf City. Methods: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 87 adult UC patients. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the intervention group received a daily oral probiotic supplement (25 x10*9 CFU of 10 strains) alongside standard UC therapy, while the control group received a placebo with the same standard treatment. The treatment duration was 8 weeks. Clinical effectiveness was assessed using the Mayo Disease Activity Index (MDAI), and changes were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: Baseline demographic and clinical features were comparable between the two groups except for gender distribution. After 8 weeks, the probiotics group showed significantly better outcomes: higher rates of clinical remission (P = 0.009), more cases shifting to mild disease, and fewer cases remaining moderate compared to placebo. Within the probiotics group, there was a significant reduction in rectal bleeding, stool frequency, physician global assessment (PGA), and mucosal scores (P < 0.0001). Between-group comparison post-treatment also showed superior outcomes in the probiotics group across most parameters. Conclusion: Probiotic therapy significantly improved clinical symptoms and disease activity in UC patients, supporting its role as a safe and effective adjunct to standard treatment.