Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Heritiera littoralis Fruits on Dextran Sulfate Sodium- (DSS-) Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Suppressing NF-κB Pathway

Abstract

Aim of the Study. This study is aimed at exploring the effects and pharmacological mechanisms of the extracts from the Heritiera littoralis fruit (EFH) on dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Materials and Methods. The chemical compositions of EFH were identified using LC-ESI-MS. The mice with 3% DSS-induced UC were administered EFH (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg), sulfasalazine (SASP, 200 mg/kg), and azathioprine (AZA, 13 mg/kg) for 10 days via daily gavage. The colonic inflammation was evaluated by the disease activity index (DAI), colonic length, histological scores, and levels of inflammatory mediators. The gut microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and analysis. Results. LC-ESI-MS analysis showed that EFH was rich in alkaloids and flavones. The results indicated that EFH significantly improved the DAI score, relieved colon shortening, and repaired pathological colonic variations in colitis. In addition, proteins in the NF-κB pathway were significantly inhibited by EFH. Furthermore, EFH recovered the diversity and balance of the gut microbiota. Conclusions. EFH has protective effects against DSS-induced colitis by keeping the balance of the gut microbiota and suppressing the NF-κB pathway.

Sanghuangporus vaninii fruit body polysaccharide alleviates hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia via modulating intestinal microflora in type 2 diabetic mice

“…On the other hand, Odoribacter , a genus belongs to Bacteroides phylum, also presents a higher abundance in DC group. And the relative abundance of Odoribacter was significantly negatively related to n -valeric acid and propionic acid levels, which is similar with a previous study ( 52 ). Besides, Odoribacter was reported to be enriched in hypercholesterolemic subjects ( 53 ) and highly abundant in db/db mice ( 54 ).…”

Potential Distribution Areas Prediction of Endangered Species - <i>Heritiera littoralis</i> Based on MaxEnt Modeling in China

“…Beyond its ecological significance in terms of wave attenuation and shoreline protection [7,8], H. littoralis boasts notable medicinal and culinary attributes. Its leaves, for instance, have been utilized for treating conditions like hematuria, burns, and gum bleeding [9][10][11][12]. Further contributing to its value, the ketones found in its leaves have demonstrated anti-cancer properties, and its seeds can be processed into oil, offering diverse applications [13,14].…”