Demographic data and pre-study clinical characteristics for the two treatment methods (mesalazine and herbal preparation) and the healthy control group.

ns = not significant.
*E1 Ulcerative proctitis: Involvement limited to the rectum (that is, proximal extent of inflammation is distal to the rectosigmoid junction). E2 Left-sided UC (distal UC): Involvement limited to a portion of the colorectum distal to the splenic flexure. E3 Extensive UC (pancolitis): Involvement extends proximal to the splenic flexure.