Anti-Inflammatory Effects of <i>Chrysanthemum coronarium</i> L. on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Intestinal Inflammation in a <i>Drosophila</i> Model

Intestinal inflammation is closely linked to aging, metabolic disorders, and immune dysregulation. Maintaining epithelial homeostasis and regulating immune responses in the gut are critical for systemic health. Natural bioactive compounds are currently garnering attention as potential agents for controlling intestinal inflammation. Among them, <i>Chrysanthemum coronarium</i> has emerged as a promising candidate owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of <i>C. coronarium</i> on intestinal homeostasis under inflammatory conditions using a <i>Drosophila</i> model. Intestinal inflammation was induced by feeding <i>Drosophila</i> dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), and <i>C. coronarium</i>'s efficacy was assessed across parallel treatment groups. We quantitatively analyzed stem cell proliferation, gut length, intestinal barrier integrity (using the Smurf assay), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway activation, and cell death. DSS treatment resulted in increased intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation, shortened gut length, impaired barrier function, and elevated STAT signaling, all of which were significantly mitigated by cotreatment with <i>C. coronarium</i>. Notably, <i>C. coronarium</i> also restored the compromised gut barrier in DSS-treated <i>Drosophila</i> and suppressed STAT activation, indicating modulation of inflammatory signaling. These findings show that <i>C. coronarium</i> supports intestinal tissue homeostasis by suppressing DSS-induced ISC hyperproliferation, restoring barrier integrity, inhibiting STAT pathway activation, reducing cell death, and improving lifespan under inflammatory conditions. Our results offer experimental evidence supporting <i>C. coronarium</i> as a promising functional food ingredient for preventing inflammatory bowel disease and management of metabolic disorders.