Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua mitigates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis more effectively with specific steaming and basking cycles

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PCH) is a traditional anti-inflammatory herb, but how processing cycles affect its efficacy against inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the impact of different steaming and basking cycles on PCH’s anti-inflammatory effects using a DSS-induced colitis model. The findings indicated that nine processing cycles of PCH were most effective in alleviating colitis. This included significant reduction in colonic shortening, restoration of the intestinal barrier, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased oxidase levels. Additionally, nine cycles of PCH effectively modulated gut microbiota, increasing SCFA release by boosting Erysipelotrichaceae , Allobaculum , and Sutterella , while reducing Helicobacter levels. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the anti-colitis effects of nine-cycle processed PCH were mediated by up-regulating guanosine, inosine, xanthosine, hypoxanthine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate, and down-regulating cortisol. These results underscored the importance of nine steaming and basking cycles in optimizing PCH’s anti-inflammatory effects, offering valuable insights for its processing. • Repeated steaming and basking enhanced the anti-inflammatory activity of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PCH). • PCH processed with seven or nine steaming-basking cycles showed strong efficacy in intervening ulcerative colitis. • Both seven- and nine-cycle processed PCH ameliorate intestinal flora imbalance and boost short-chain fatty acid metabolism. • Nine-cycle processed PCH better protected intestinal barrier permeability. • Nine-cycle processed PCH could alleviate DSS-associated metabolic disorders.