Immunomodulatory Effects of Epilobium angustifolium Extract in DSS-Induced Colitis: Attenuation of Inflammatory and Metabolic Markers in Mice

The inflammatory and metabolic complexity of colitis necessitates therapies that act on multiple immune pathways. Using serum proteomic profiling, the present study evaluated the systemic immunomodulatory profile of Epilobium angustifolium lyophilized methanol-aqueous extract rich in oenothein B (EAE) in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of ulcerative colitis in a comparative manner to dexamethasone (DXM). DSS exposure triggered robust inflammatory activation, evidenced by elevated chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL11), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-12, PAI-1, RAGE) and metabolic stress mediators (leptin, resistin, FGF-21). Treatment with EAE significantly attenuated this inflammatory profile, notably reducing Th2-skewed chemokines and eosinophil recruitment. In contrast to DXM, EAE uniquely normalized pro-thrombotic and tissue-remodeling markers, including PAI-1 and RAGE, both implicated in intestinal barrier dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, EAE demonstrated superior modulation of inflammation-associated growth factors (IGFBP-5, HGF, Flt3L) and adipokines (leptin, resistin), indicating a broader therapeutic scope that includes metabolic dysfunctions. Collectively, our data reveal that EAE exerts a distinct immunoregulatory profile, modulating both innate and adaptive immune pathways while simultaneously addressing metabolic pathologies. These multifaceted actions underscore its promise as a phytotherapeutic candidate for the management of ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory conditions, with potential advantages over conventional steroid treatment.