Ulcerative colitis is one of those chronic conditions that doesn’t just cause discomfort — it can deeply disrupt daily life, with symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and weight loss.

Now, scientists may have found a surprising potential ally in the fight: the strawberry tree, a traditional Mediterranean plant more commonly known for its fruit than its medicinal power.

In a recent study, researchers gave lab rats an extract made from strawberry tree fruit (likely not the strawberries you’re used to picturing) and found that it significantly protected against a form of colitis, that, for the purposes of the study, mimicked the sort found in people. The extract didn’t just reduce visible damage to the colon; it also lowered inflammation and preserved antioxidant enzyme levels. In short, the rats were in better shape after treatment, especially at higher doses.

Initially, researchers put rats into groups, with some receiving different doses of the plant extract and others getting a common anti-inflammatory drug. A third group just water. Those treated with the highest dose of extract saw nearly the same protection as the drug-treated group — 80% versus 75%.

And it wasn’t just about markers of inflammation. The extract also helped maintain the colon’s antioxidant defenses and reduced signs of oxidative stress.

But before you rush to brew strawberry tree tea, it’s worth noting that researchers intend to study this extract in people, too. More research is needed before we can say if this fruit has a future on the pharmacy shelf. For now, it’s a promising start — with a lot left to learn.