An enema containing a growth factor seems to be helpful to people with ulcerative colitis.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a natural substance produced by the body which makes cells divide and helps create new tissue. A group at Leicester Royal Infirmary, England, now reports a trial where 12 patients with active left-sided ulcerative colitis were treated with an enema containing EGF. A control group was given a placebo enema.

After two weeks, 10 out of the 12 patients given EGF were in remission, compared to only one out of the 12 given a placebo. Sigmoidoscopy examination confirmed this improvement. This small study suggests that EGF enemas are a promising new treatment for ulcerative colitis.