Chronic Pancreatitis

Why it works: Targets inflammatory pathways implicated in CP. Curcumin down-regulates NF-κB and inflammasome activity, which drive cytokine release and fibrosis in chronic inflammation. These me...

Instructions: Form & dose. • Standard curcumin extract (≈95% curcuminoids): commonly 500–1,000 mg/day with food; many trials in other conditions use this range. Bioavailability-enhanced forms (p...

Warnings: Liver injury (rare but real): Case series (including the U.S. Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network) and...

Studies: Curcumin in CP (pilot RCT):Durgaprasad et al., 2005—Tropical...

Why it works: Ginger’s main compounds (gingerols, shogaols, zingerone, paradols) show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in lab and animal research. Reported mechanisms include modulation...

Instructions: Forms: fresh root (culinary), powdered spice/capsules, standardized extracts. National health agencies note supplements are less regulated than drugs, so choose reputable products....

Warnings: Bleeding/anticoagulants & antiplatelets: Ginger can have antiplatelet effects; reputable interaction...

Studies: Direct evidence in CP: I couldn’t find any randomized trials...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant actions. Reishi polysaccharides and triterpenoids can modulate NF-κB/MAPK pathways and oxidative stress—mechanisms relevant to pancreatic inflammati...

Instructions: There’s no established CP dosing regimen. If your clinician agrees to a cautious trial, typical doses used in other conditions/studies are:. • Extract capsules (standardized): 600–...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / drug interactions. Reishi may inhibit platelet aggregation and increase bleeding ris...

Studies: Preclinical (animal) CP evidenceLi et al., 2016 – Internatio...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory effects. Omega-3s can shift eicosanoid production and dampen systemic inflammatory responses. This has translated to improved outcomes in severe...

Instructions: There is no standardized, evidence-based dosing regimen for CP. If a specialist decides to trial omega-3s (typically for general anti-inflammatory support or triglyceride lowering...

Warnings: Arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation) signal at higher doses. Several large cardiovascular RCT meta-analy...

Studies: Chronic pancreatitis: I could not find high-quality randomiz...

Why it works: Oxidative stress is implicated in CP pain and progression. CP tissue shows markers of oxidative damage; antioxidant depletion has been described in patients. Selenium is a cofactor...

Instructions: Doses used in positive RCTs (India): a fixed-dose combo for 3–6 months containing selenium 600 µg/day, vitamin C 0.54 g/day, vitamin E 270 IU/day, β-carotene 9,000 IU/day, and meth...

Warnings: Upper Intake Level (UL) for selenium in adults is 400 µg/day (total from all sources). Intakes above...

Studies: Positive RCT (India, n≈127): Antioxidant combo including sel...

Why it works: Biology & rationale (general): Glutamine is a major fuel for enterocytes and immune cells and is a precursor for glutathione, so it can support gut-barrier integrity and antioxidan...

Instructions: In pancreatitis, the only setting where glutamine shows a role is selected patients with severe acute pancreatitis (AP) who require parenteral nutrition (PN). ESPEN’s practical gui...

Warnings: Critical-illness caution: In the REDOXS ICU trial (not pancreatitis-specific), early high-dose gluta...

Studies: Acute pancreatitis (context only):RCT/meta-analysis signals...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & anti-fibrotic effects (preclinical): In a mouse model of CP, DCHD reduced pancreatic macrophage infiltration, lowered IL-6–related signaling, and attenuated pan...

Instructions: Classical composition (8 herbs):. Chái Hú (Bupleurum), Huáng Qín (Scutellaria), Dà Huáng (Rhubarb), Zhǐ Shí (Bitter orange), Bái Sháo (White peony), Bàn Xià* (Pinellia), Shēng Jiān...

Warnings: Because DCHD is multi-herb, safety depends on both the pattern match and your comorbidities/meds.. C...

Studies: Direct CP evidence (preclinical/mechanistic):Mouse CP model:...

Why it works: Oxidative stress hypothesis. CP is associated with increased oxidative stress and depletion of endogenous antioxidants. Restoring antioxidant status (including vitamin C) might red...

Instructions: Oral combination (“micronutrient antioxidant”) regimens used in several CP pain trials typically included approximately:. vitamin C ~540 mg/day, vitamin E ~270 IU/day, selenium ~60...

Warnings: If, after discussing risks/benefits, you and your specialist decide to try antioxidant therapy for p...

Studies: Cochrane systematic review (chronic pancreatitis pain): Anti...

Why it works: CP is associated with oxidative stress and low antioxidant status. Patients with CP often have lower levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) because of fat malabsorption from e...

Instructions: Screen & correct deficiency (first-line use).. • What to check: Serum α-tocopherol (often indexed to lipids), along with vitamins A, D, K, plus minerals like selenium, zinc, etc. R...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / anticoagulants & antiplatelets: Vitamin E can inhibit platelet aggregation and antag...

Studies: Pain reduction (mixed evidence):Positive RCT (India, 2009):...

Why it works: What it does (generally): Slippery elm bark is rich in mucilage—gel-like polysaccharides that coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes. That’s why herbal texts list it as a demul...

Instructions: Form & prep: Powdered inner bark mixed with water to make a gruel/tea; capsules and liquid extracts also exist. Traditional directions commonly cite 1–3 teaspoons of powder in ~240...

Warnings: Pregnancy/lactation: Avoid in pregnancy (historical concerns and lack of safety data). Insufficient...

Studies: No clinical trials show efficacy for chronic pancreatitis. C...