Mice were given a compound called dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in order to give them colitis. Some of the mice were given 50mg/kg of curcumin, a component of the Indian spice turmeric, for 10 days prior to being given the chemical. The treated mice showed fewer intestinal lesions, and had a reduction in inflammatory markers that were linked to the curcumin. This preliminary research on mice suggests that turmeric may be helpful in treating IBD in humans.