In this study, a colitis mouse model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to investigate the mechanisms of action of an extract of crude polysaccharides (POL) from Physalis pubescens L. as a dietary intervention for colitis. Our results showed that the administration of POL prior to DSS‐induced colitis protected the colon mucosal layer; maintained intestinal barrier integrity; alleviated oxidative damage; and lowered neutrophil infiltration by downregulating intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 expression. More importantly, POL pretreatment reduced the expression of the proinflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor‐α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), thereby modulating the nuclear factor‐κB/iNOS–COX‐2 signal transduction pathway. In addition, POL reversed DSS‐induced gut dysbiosis, accompanied by reducing the relative abundance of Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, and Erysipelatoclostridium. In conclusion, POL ameliorated DSS‐induced intestinal injury in mice, indicating that POL could be a useful dietary nutrient to protect against colitis.
Practical Application
Physalis pubescens L. is an edible fruit. The results of this study show that the intervention with Physalis pubescens L. crude polysaccharides may help prevent ulcerative colitis.