Persimmon polysaccharide alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by restoring gut microbiota homeostasis and intestinal barrier function

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, which is linked to gut microbiota (GM) imbalance and intestinal barrier (IB) dysfunction. Persimmon is a medicinal and edible fruit, but the effects of persimmon polysaccharides (PPs) on UC remain unclear. PPs were extracted from Zhongshi No. 7, characterized, and tested in a DSS-induced acute colitis mouse model. PPs (150 and 300 mg/kg) markedly mitigated body weight reduction, elevation of DAI, and colon length reduction. By inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, PPs reduced colonic pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and relieved colitis symptoms. Moreover, PPs upregulated tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1), increased goblet cell numbers, and repaired the IB function. Fecal microbiota transplantation verified that the transfer of PPs-modulated GM recapitulated the anti-colitis effects, demonstrating that the protective effects are microbiota-dependent. Overall, PPs alleviated UC by regulating GM, inhibiting NLRP3 activation, and restoring barrier function, supporting its exploitation as prebiotics.