Metabolomic Profiling and Therapeutic Potential of <i>Melilotus indicus</i> Leaves Against Ulcerative Colitis Induced by DSS and Gamma Radiation via Modulation of NF‐κB Pathway in Rats

Abstract The current study sought to explore the potential advantages of Melilotus indicus ( Mi ) leaves herbal extract in reducing intestinal inflammation and promoting radioprotective effects. The maceration process produced a 70% ethanolic extract of the plant, which was then utilized for chemical and biological investigations. Rats received a single acute dose (6 Gy) of whole‐body gamma radiation, while their drinking water was mixed with 5% DSS for a week. Mi herbal extract was given orally for seven days at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. Animals with colitis that received a 6 Gy dose of gamma radiation experienced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. When compared to the DSS and/or gamma‐irradiated‐induced colitis groups, the acute colitis groups treated with M. indicus herbal extract showed significant improvements in the levels of biomarkers related to inflammation, angiogenic stress, and oxidative stress. The data from the docking study concentrated on the ability of the herbal extract's main active metabolites, taxifolin, medicarpin, and yohimbic acid, to bind to TNF‐α, IL‐6, VEGF, and NF‐κB proteins. Current research has shown that M. indicus leaves contain important metabolites that are both anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant. M. indicus leaves extract clearly improved ulcerative colitis (UC) via controlling the NF‐κB inflammatory pathway.