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Updated: Jul 12, 2025
Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation
Published on: July 27, 2022
Dracocephalum moldavica L. extract alleviates experimental colitis in rats by modulating gut microbiome and
Suhe Gang1, Wenhui Bai2, Hui Yu2
1Mongolian Medicine School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region 010110, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Several studies have revealed that an imbalance of the intestinal microbiota is involved in intestinal inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, regulating the homeostasis of gut microbiota is critical for treating UC. Dracocephalum moldavica L. (DML) extract, a common traditional Chinese medicine, has been demonstrated to possess numerous pharmacological effects, such as antioxidative, anti‑inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of DML extract and the probable mechanism of action in a dextran sulfate sodium‑induced chronic colitis model. It was found that DML extract ameliorated UC by improving disease activity index, weight loss, colon length, and histological scoring. DML extract administration also enhanced the count of Lactobacillus and reduced the count of Romboutsia. Furthermore, the results of network pharmacology analysis revealed that the active ingredients (including luteolin, rosmarinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, apigenin, acacetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin) in the DML extract were closely associated with anti‑inflammatory activity via various signaling pathways, including the NF‑κB, IL‑17, TNF, and Toll‑like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways. Western blot analysis further indicated that DML extract downregulated the expression of members of the TLR4/NF‑κB signaling pathway, which was associated with colitis. Thus, it was hypothesized that DML extract exerted its anti‑colitis effects by modulating the gut microbiota and inflammatory pathways.
Insights
Dracocephalum moldavica L. extract (DML) effectively treats ulcerative colitis (UC) by restoring gut microbiota balance and reducing inflammation. DML modulates key inflammatory pathways, offering a promising therapeutic approach for UC management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intestinal microbiota imbalance is linked to ulcerative colitis (UC) pathogenesis.
- Restoring gut microbiota homeostasis is crucial for UC treatment.
- Dracocephalum moldavica L. (DML) extract exhibits anti-inflammatory and other beneficial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic effects of DML extract in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced chronic colitis model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of DML extract's anti-colitis action.
Main Methods:
- Induction of chronic colitis in a mouse model using dextran sulfate sodium.
- Administration of DML extract and assessment of disease activity, colon length, and histology.
- Analysis of gut microbiota composition (Lactobacillus, Romboutsia).
- Network pharmacology to identify active ingredients and signaling pathways (NF-κB, IL-17, TNF, TLR).
- Western blot to validate key pathway modulations (TLR4/NF-κB).
Main Results:
- DML extract significantly ameliorated UC symptoms, including disease activity index, weight loss, colon shortening, and histological damage.
- DML extract administration increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased Romboutsia counts in the gut microbiota.
- Network pharmacology identified key anti-inflammatory compounds in DML extract targeting multiple signaling pathways.
- Western blot confirmed DML extract's downregulation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Conclusions:
- DML extract demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis.
- The anti-colitis effects of DML extract are attributed to modulation of gut microbiota and suppression of inflammatory pathways, particularly TLR4/NF-κB.
- DML extract represents a promising natural therapeutic agent for UC.
