Indigo Naturalis regulates the gut microbiota to increase SCFAs content and improve ulcerative colitis lesions

Background: The global prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is approximately 5 million, and the incidence is on the rise. The gut microbiota (GM) plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of UC. Studies have found that Indigo Naturalis (abbreviated as Indan) and Indigo can regulate GM to improve UC, but the mechanism has not been elucidated. Materials and methods: Using 16S rDNA to examine GM changes and evaluate the effects of Indan/Indigo treatment on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Results: , produce hexanoic acid. It is worth noting that the proportion regulation of Indan and indigo on the microbial structure of different phenotypes is also a new mechanism for the treatment of UC. Conclusion: Indan/Indigo regulates GM abundance and structure, enhances SCFAs content, inhibits inflammatory response, promotes ulcer healing, restores intestinal wall integrity, and treats UC.