Propionyl-L-Carnitine in Ulcerative Colitis

Inclusion Criteria: * Have read the Information for the Patient and signed the Informed Consent Form. * Age comprised between 18 and 75 included. * If female, not pregnant or nursing. * For women of childbearing potential, willingness to avoid a pregnancy during the treatment period and for at least 1 month from the last dose of drug. * Availability of a pancolonoscopy and histology both confirming the diagnosis of active ulcerative colitis. * Disease Activity Index comprised between 3 and 10, inclusive, (mild to moderate ulcerative colitis). * On one of the following treatments for ulcerative colitis prior to baseline visit: 1. Stable background oral aminosalicylates (mesalazine, balsalazide, olsalazine) or sulfasalazine therapy for greater than or equal to 4 weeks prior to baseline assessments. 2. Stable background mercaptopurine or azathioprine for greater than or equal to 12 weeks prior to baseline assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * First diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. * Crohn's disease. * Current or previous (in the last 10 days preceding the screening) use of systemic corticosteroids. * Use of antibiotics in the last 10 days preceding the screening. * Use of NSAID's in the last 10 days preceding the screening. * Use of probiotics in the last 10 days preceding the screening * Positive stool culture (when performed, according to Investigator's judgment, to assess possible parasitologic infection(s)). * Significantly impaired liver, renal, pulmonary or cardiovascular function. * History of colon resection. * Diverticulitis. * Diagnosis of proctitis * Stable rectally administered therapy in the last 10 days. * Active or chronic infection(s). * Simultaneous participation in another clinical trial, or participation in any clinical trial involving investigational drugs within 3 months from enrolment into the present study. * Any physical or psychological condition in a patient that could let the investigator suspect his/her poor compliance.