Wheatgrass (the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum) has been explored as a complementary therapy for colitis, particularly ulcerative colitis. The scientific evidence is limited but not absent. The most notable clinical study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2002 in the journal Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. In this study, 23 patients with active distal ulcerative colitis received either 100 ml/day of wheatgrass juice or placebo for one month. The wheatgrass group showed significant reductions in disease activity and rectal bleeding compared to placebo, with no serious adverse effects reported.

The proposed mechanisms for wheatgrass’s beneficial effects include its antioxidant properties, immune modulation, and potential to promote healing of the mucosal lining. However, the evidence is still preliminary and drawn from small studies. There are no large-scale, multi-center clinical trials or systematic reviews that firmly establish efficacy. The use of wheatgrass for colitis is not part of standard medical guidelines, but it may be considered as an adjunct by some practitioners.

In summary, wheatgrass use for colitis has some scientific basis from small clinical trials, but the overall quality and quantity of evidence are low (rated 2 out of 5). More research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.