Therapeutic effects of Ilicifolius acid a in murine ulcerative colitis

The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by inflammatory responses and significant impairment of intestinal barrier function. The compromised integrity of the intestinal barrier leads to increased permeability, allowing gut microbiota to translocate across the epithelial layer and activate immune cells, thereby exacerbating inflammatory reactions. Acanthus ilicifolius L., a mangrove plant native to tropical and subtropical intertidal zones between 30°N and 30°S latitudes, has been traditionally used in Chinese folk medicine. Recognized for its therapeutic properties, this medicinal herb exhibits detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects, with various extracts demonstrating significant pharmacological activities, including inflammation suppression and tumor inhibition.

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Ilicifolius acid A (IaA), a tannin compound derived from Acanthus ilicifolius L., in alleviating ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Notably, this work focused on evaluating the bioactivity of IaA rather than its extraction or isolation.

A mouse model of ulcerative colitis was successfully established through administration of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS), and the potential therapeutic effects of IaA were systematically evaluated using quantitative PCR, Western blot analysis, and comprehensive omics sequencing approaches.

The administration of IaA significantly alleviates dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis symptoms, including weight loss, colon shortening, and splenomegaly. Further investigations demonstrate that IaA treatment effectively reduces inflammatory responses in colonic tissues and promotes repair of DSS-induced intestinal barrier damage. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis reveals a notable increase in the Alpha diversity index following IaA intervention. Proteomic sequencing results indicate that IaA exerts its therapeutic effects through suppression of the MAPK/Akt signaling pathway activation.

IaA demonstrates a significant role in mitigating inflammation and promoting the repair of the intestinal barrier in murine models of ulcerative colitis, indicating its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.