Mosla chinensis maxim. essential oil ameliorates DSS-induced colitis and enhances the intestinal barrier via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by recurrent episodes. <i>Mosla chinensis</i> Maxim. Shixiangru (SXR) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb commonly utilized for treating cold, fever, diarrhea, digestive disorders, and various other ailments. And its essential oil (SEO) has been identified to exert various physiological activities. Nonetheless, there is relatively scarce information on the interaction between SEO and UC. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties and potential mechanisms of SEO. A DSS-induced colitis mouse model was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of SEO. The DAI scores, body weight, colon length and histopathological status of colon tissue were evaluated. The levels of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, along with inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-<i>α</i> (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), were analyzed. The study also investigated RNA sequencing and gut microbiota composition. Results from the DSS-induced colitis mouse model demonstrated that SEO effectively reduced inflammation and regulated gut microbiota. SEO treatment notably enhanced Tight junction (TJ) production while inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines including TNF-<i>α</i>, IL-6, and IL-1β. Moreover, SEO may inhibit the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This study highlights SEO's efficacy in alleviating colitis and modulating gut microbiota, offering insights into its therapeutic potential for UC through anti-inflammatory effects and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. It provides a scientific foundation for using SEO in preventing and treating inflammation and related diseases.