Plant extracts and phytoconstituents with activity in ulcerative colitis induced by TNBS

Medicinal plants play an essential role in the health systems of many countries. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with pharmacological therapy associated with adverse effects and relapses. Several experimental models are used to evaluate intestinal inflammation, including the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced ulcerative colitis model. Thus, the aim of the study was to identify plant extracts and phytoconstituents with promising activities in the experimental model of TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis and their respective mechanisms of action and, thus, aid in the treatment of UC. For this, a literature review was carried out using articles indexed in the Pubmed and Science Direct databases, with the descriptors: “Extracts”, “Ulcerative colitis” and “TNBS”. The inclusion criteria were articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish, published in the last 6 years (2019-2024) and the exclusion criteria were those that diverged from the chosen theme and outside the time range. Twenty articles were selected, indicating that extracts and phytoconstituents reduce the symptoms and severity of lesions caused by TNBS, through the inhibition of the expression of inflammatory pathways, enzymes, immune cells and cytokines involved in inflammation, in addition to the reduction of oxidative stress. Therefore, it is concluded that extracts and phytoconstituents are effective and safe options for the management of UC, acting as alternatives to conventional therapies.