Taraxacum alleviates ulcerative colitis, accompanied by the modulation of gut microbiota and restoration of intestinal barrier integrity.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that(TM) possesses strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities, but the mechanism regarding how TM attenuates IBD requires further exploration. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of TM (0.15, 0.75, and 1.5 g/kg) on ulcerative colitis induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) in mice. RESULTS: After 14 days of treatment following colitis induction, the herbal extract alleviated body weight loss and pathological abnormalities in the mice. In comparison to the DSS group, the 1.5 g/kg The TM therapy group had markedly elevated levels of colonic T-SOD, T-AOC, and GSH-Px (P < 0.05), alongside a substantial decrease in MDA content (P < 0.05) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IFN-g, TNF-a) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, TM markedly elevated the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate) in the cecal contents (P < 0.05). The 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg TM groups also elevated the expression of Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1 (P < 0.05), whereas the DSS group showed reduced expression of these mucosal barrier proteins. Concerning gut microbiota, at the Phylum level, the relative abundance ofwas markedly elevated in the 1.5 g/kg TM groups (P < 0.05),exhibited a considerable reduction (P < 0.05); TM alleviated colitis concurrent with the restoration of beneficialand reduction of harmful. Notably,was inhibited more effectively than in 5-ASA, a change associated with intestinal homeostasis. CONCLUSION: TM alleviated colitis is correlated with enhancing antioxidant capacity, reducing inflammation, restoringbarrier integrity, and modulating the gut microbiota.