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Updated: May 14, 2026

Chinese Herbal Retention Enema for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Published on: May 16, 2025
Mucoadhesive and pH-responsive berberine-Bletilla striata polysaccharide core-shell microspheres for colon-targeted
Huiru Li1,2,3,4, Lingfeng Sun1,2,3,4, Wenjie Lu5
1Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Application, Hefei, PR China.
Abstract:
Although berberine has notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment, its clinical application is limited by poor oral bioavailability. To improve berberine delivery, we developed colon-targeted mucoadhesive Eudragit® S100/Bletilla striata polysaccharide (EB)-coated microspheres (MPs) encapsulating berberine hydrochloride (BH)-hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) complex. BSP acts as both a bioadhesive carrier for prolonged mucosal retention and an immunoregulatory agent synergizing with berberine. Fabricated via electrospray and fluidised-bed coating, the formulation realized pH-responsive colon-specific release. In vitro studies, it showed favorable pH-dependent release, scavenged reactive oxygen species, and promoted M2 macrophage polarization. Small animal fluorescence imaging studies have confirmed its colon-targeting and mucoadhesive properties. In DSS-induced acute and FXY-DSS-induced chronic colitis models, EB@BH-HSPC significantly alleviated inflammation, restored intestinal barrier function, and reduced oxidative stress, with improved therapeutic effects attributed to berberine-BSP synergy and integrated delivery advantages. BSP serves as both film-forming adhesive component and synergistic therapeutic component, making this system a potent strategy for UC treatment.
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