Alternatives to Prednisone for Ulcerative Colitis

If you’re taking prednisone for ulcerative colitis and looking for natural alternatives, I completely understand why. Prednisone causes more side effects than almost any other drug on the market. I went through the Natural Medicines Database, an evidence-based resource that ranks natural treatments by the quality of scientific evidence behind them, and pulled together five options rated possibly effective specifically for ulcerative colitis.

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TL;DR: Quick Summary

Five natural substances are rated possibly effective for ulcerative colitis: andrographis, Lactobacillus plantarum and other probiotics, phosphatidylcholine, propionyl-L-carnitine, and vitamin A. Phosphatidylcholine stands out with the strongest data, including one study where 80 percent of participants were able to stop using steroids entirely. None of these replace prednisone when it’s truly necessary, but combined with your treatment plan, they may help reduce how much you need. If prednisone remains part of your care, replenishing the nutrients it depletes can make every milligram count.

Andrographis

Andrographis is an herbal extract that has shown promise for ulcerative colitis symptoms.

Rated possibly effective in the Natural Medicines Database
Studied specifically in the context of ulcerative colitis symptom relief

Lactobacillus Plantarum and Other Probiotics

This specific probiotic strain has evidence supporting its use alongside standard treatment.

Has been shown to reduce symptoms
Associated with getting more people into remission
May help prevent symptom relapse when compared with standard treatment alone

Phosphatidylcholine

This is the standout option among the five, with some of the strongest supporting data.

A phospholipid, meaning it’s a component of the cell membrane, the protective barrier surrounding each cell
People with ulcerative colitis may be deficient in it, and the theory is that restoring it helps rebuild a healthier gut lining barrier
Across three clinical trials, 49 percent of people who took phosphatidylcholine achieved remission, with improved quality of life
In one study, 80 percent of participants were able to completely stop using steroids
The effective dose is at least 1 gram daily, though some people may need 3 to 4 grams per day

Propionyl-L-Carnitine

This option may support better outcomes over time.

May help improve clinical relapse rates
May also support higher remission rates

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a specific role relevant to ulcerative colitis healing.

Shown to help support mucosal healing, meaning the repair of the mucous membrane lining the gut

If You Still Need Prednisone

For many people with ulcerative colitis, these natural options provide meaningful support but don’t eliminate the need for prednisone entirely, especially during flares. If you’ve tried everything and prednisone remains necessary, the goal shifts to making every milligram count by minimizing the side effects that come with it.

You’re already managing a gut condition, so the last thing you need is a drug that adds its own list of gut-related complaints on top of it. That’s exactly why I built the UC Support Pack around the two options from the research above with the clearest, most disease-specific rationale, as educational and nutritional support, not as a treatment or cure for ulcerative colitis or any other condition.

The pack is a single AM packet with two ingredients:

Phosphatidylcholine (1,300mg), the standout from the research above, dosed within the range used in the clinical trials where 49 percent of participants achieved remission and 80 percent were able to stop steroids entirely
Vitamin A, included for its specific, well-documented role in supporting mucosal healing, the repair of the gut’s mucous membrane lining

Both capsules are taken together in the morning, ideally with food, alongside your prednisone dose if you’re still taking it. Because vitamin A is fat-soluble and can build up in the body at high doses, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re also taking a multivitamin or other vitamin A–containing supplement, so your total daily intake stays in a safe range.

Get UC Support Pack here →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which natural substitute has the strongest evidence for ulcerative colitis?

Phosphatidylcholine currently has the most compelling data, including a study where 80 percent of participants were able to stop using steroids entirely.

What dose of phosphatidylcholine is typically used?

Studies show an effective dose of at least 1 gram daily, with some people needing 3 to 4 grams per day depending on their response.

Can probiotics help with ulcerative colitis?

Lactobacillus plantarum specifically has shown evidence for reducing symptoms and supporting remission when combined with standard treatment.

Does vitamin A help heal the gut in ulcerative colitis?

Yes, vitamin A has been shown to support mucosal healing, which refers to the repair of the gut’s mucous membrane lining.

Should I stop taking prednisone and rely on these natural substitutes instead?

This should always be a decision made with your gastroenterologist. These options may support your treatment plan, but they are not established replacements for prednisone during an active flare.

Why does prednisone cause so many side effects for people with ulcerative colitis?

Prednisone depletes nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, chromium, and magnesium, which contributes significantly to the side effects experienced during treatment.

Disclaimer: Nutranize Zone does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for medical care or your doctor’s guidance.