Dry-frying processing enhances the anti-ulcerative colitis efficacy of Dolichos lablab seeds via bioactive phytochemical transformation and PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dolichos lablab L. seeds (Baibiandou), a traditional Chinese medicine, are used raw (SP) for dampness resolution or dry-fried (CZ) to enhance spleen-strengthening and anti-diarrheal effects, indicating processing may improve efficacy against intestinal conditions like ulcerative colitis (UC). AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to validate the traditional processing method by elucidating how dry-frying enhances the anti-UC activity of D. lablab seeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-inflammatory effects of optimally dry-fried (100 °C, 11 min) CZ were compared with SP in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and a DSS-induced murine UC model. The chemical basis was investigated using LC-MS metabolomics and serum pharmacochemistry, while the mechanism was predicted by network pharmacology and verified by Western blot. RESULTS: Processing significantly enhanced anti-UC efficacy. Metabolomics identified 163 compounds, with efficacy enhancement attributed to the thermal generation of bioactive monoglycosylated triterpenoids and lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs) via pathways like deglycosylation. Serum analysis identified 41 absorbed constituents. Key triterpenoids (e.g., peaks 129, 132) inhibited PI3K/AKT phosphorylation and suppressed IL-6 and TNF-α expression. CONCLUSION: Dry-frying enhances the anti-UC efficacy of D. lablab seeds by increasing bioactive compounds through thermal transformation and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway, providing a scientific rationale for this traditional processing method.