Polysaccharide from Ziziphus jujuba cv. Changzao prevented colitis in mice by regulating the inflammation-gut microbiota-metabolite axis

Polysaccharides derived from jujuba exhibit beneficial anti-ulcerative colitis effects, largely attributed to their potent antioxidant properties and other bioactivities. However, the mechanisms by which these polysaccharides from Ziziphus jujuba cv. Changzao modulate contribute to gut microbiota metabolism remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to instigate the effects of polysaccharides from Ziziphus jujuba cv. Changzao, sourced from various origins, on colitis. Our results demonstrated that LP-25 and FP-25 exhibited the most pronounced therapeutic efficacy, alleviating colitis symptoms and significantly reducing levels of pro-inflammation cytokines. Moreover, LP-25 and FP-25 promoted intestinal barrier repair by mitigating mucosal damage and upregulating the expression of ZO-1. Additionally, these polysaccharides favorably modulated gut microbiota composition-increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus while decreasing that of Bacteroidetes . Furthermore, LP-25 and FP-25 may exert protective effects against colitis by regulating primary bile acid biosynthesis to protect colitis. Collectively, our findings suggest that LP-25 and FP-25 represent promising candidates for UC intervention, as their therapeutic effects are mediated through the regulation of gut microbiota and associated metabolic pathways. This study demonstrated that FP-25 and LP-25 protected against DSS-induced colitis by decreasing inflammatory cytokines, restoring gut barrier dysfunction, and modulating both the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites. Specifically, the abundance of Allobaculum and Lactobacillus , along with the levels of DCA, protoporphyrinogen IX, and protoporphyrin IX involved in primary bile acid biosynthesis may be the key biomarkers for elucidating the potential protecting mechanism of DSS-induced colitis. • FP and LP (25 mg/kg) reduced inflammation in colitis-induced mice. • It alleviated colonic damage and supported tissue regeneration in colitis-induced mice. • FP and LP may regulate gut microbiota and primary bile acid biosynthesis effects in colitis-induced mice.