Astragalus polysaccharides protect against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by inhibiting NF-κВ activation

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is a bioactive extract of Astragalus membranaceus (AM), which possess a wide range of medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor and anti-diabetic effects. The present work evaluated the therapeutic effect of APS and its potential mechanisms in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. The APS treatment led to significant improvements in colitis disease activity index (DAI) and histological scores, as well as significantly increased weight and colon length in mice as compared to the control group. Mechanically, reduced NF-κВ DNA phosphorylation activity and downregulated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 expressions and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were associated with improvement in colitis observed in APS-treated mice. These findings suggest that APS may represent a natural therapeutic approach for treating inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis.