Taraxacum alleviates ulcerative colitis, accompanied by the modulation of gut microbiota and restoration of intestinal barrier integrity

Background Previous studies have shown that Taraxacum (TM) possesses strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities, but the mechanism regarding how TM attenuates IBD requires further exploration. This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of TM (0.15, 0.75, and 1.5 g/kg) on ulcerative colitis induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) in mice. Results After 14 days of treatment following colitis induction, the herbal extract alleviated body weight loss and pathological abnormalities in the mice. In comparison to the DSS group, the 1.5 g/kg The TM therapy group had markedly elevated levels of colonic T-SOD, T-AOC, and GSH-Px (P < 0.05), alongside a substantial decrease in MDA content (P < 0.05) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IFN-g, TNF-a) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, TM markedly elevated the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate) in the cecal contents (P < 0.05). The 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg TM groups also elevated the expression of Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1 (P < 0.05), whereas the DSS group showed reduced expression of these mucosal barrier proteins. Concerning gut microbiota, at the Phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was markedly elevated in the 1.5 g/kg TM groups (P < 0.05), Bacteroidetes exhibited a considerable reduction (P < 0.05); TM alleviated colitis concurrent with the restoration of beneficial Muribaculaceae and reduction of harmful Desulfovibrio . Notably, Desulfovibrio was inhibited more effectively than in 5-ASA, a change associated with intestinal homeostasis. Conclusion TM alleviated colitis is correlated with enhancing antioxidant capacity, reducing inflammation, restoringbarrier integrity, and modulating the gut microbiota.