Arabinoxylan is a type of non-starch polysaccharide found in cereal grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. Its use for supporting or treating Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is primarily grounded in scientific investigation rather than traditional use. The rationale is based on its function as a prebiotic fiber: arabinoxylan is fermented by gut microbiota to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, which possesses anti-inflammatory and mucosal protective properties in the colon.

Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that arabinoxylan can modulate gut microbiota composition, increase SCFA production, and improve markers of gut barrier function and inflammation. For example, some studies in mice with colitis have shown reduced inflammation and improved histological outcomes with arabinoxylan supplementation. However, clinical evidence in humans is limited. A few small human trials have reported improved fecal SCFA profiles and some modulation of inflammatory markers, but robust randomized controlled trials directly evaluating arabinoxylan as a treatment for IBD are lacking.

In summary, the use of arabinoxylan for IBD is supported by mechanistic and preliminary clinical data, but direct evidence for efficacy in IBD patients remains limited. Therefore, the evidence rating is 2 out of 5, reflecting early scientific promise but insufficient clinical validation.