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Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
Pectin from comfrey roots alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice through modulating the intestinal barrier
Mengxue Liu1, Jia Fu2, Yuqian Liu2
1College of Forestry and Grassland Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; Jilin provincial key laboratory of tree and grass genetics and breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
Comfrey root pectin (CRP) effectively alleviates ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms in mice by repairing the intestinal barrier and regulating gut microbiota. This natural compound shows promise for managing UC by reducing inflammation and improving colon health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with limited treatment options.
- The intestinal barrier plays a crucial role in UC pathogenesis.
- Dietary components are being explored for their therapeutic potential in UC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of comfrey root pectin (CRP) in ameliorating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice.
- To determine if CRP improves intestinal barrier function and modulates gut microbiota composition.
Main Methods:
- DSS was used to induce UC in a mouse model.
- Mice were treated with CRP or 5-aminosalicylic acid (ASA).
- UC symptoms, serum cytokine levels, intestinal barrier markers (ZO-1, Muc2), and gut microbiota composition were analyzed.
Main Results:
- CRP treatment significantly alleviated UC symptoms, including weight loss, diarrhea, and colon shortening.
- CRP reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and increased anti-inflammatory IL-10.
- CRP enhanced the expression of ZO-1 and Muc2, indicating improved intestinal barrier integrity.
- CRP modulated gut microbiota by decreasing harmful bacteria and increasing beneficial ones, correlating with improved barrier function.
Conclusions:
- Comfrey root pectin (CRP) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis (UC).
- CRP effectively repairs the intestinal barrier and mitigates DSS-induced colon damage in mice.
- CRP's ability to modulate gut microbiota suggests a novel mechanism for UC management.
