Highland Barley Improves DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in C57BL/6J Mice

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) increases with unhealthy eating habits. Both surgery and medication have the potential to treat the condition, but they may also have more negative effects. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of 20% and 40% doses of different highland barley (HB) components (whole grain, peeled, and bran) in a 2% dextran sulfate sodium induced UC mouse model. The results showed that supplementation with a 20% dose of peeled HB restored body weight, disease activity index, colon length, serum interleukin-1β and interleukin-10 levels, liver glutathione peroxidase content, and superoxide dismutase activity to normal levels in mice compared to UC mice. Moreover, the damage caused by UC to the mice's colon was significantly reduced, and the relative expression levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were all significantly downregulated. Additionally, it increased the abundance of Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, improving the balance of gut microbiota.