The increasing incidence of colitis
and the side effects of its
therapeutic drugs have led to the search for compounds of natural
origin, including phenolics, as new treatments for colitis. In this
study, the potential mechanism of Dendrobium officinale leaf phenolics (DOP) on the relief of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced
colitis was explored. The results showed that DOP treatment for 36
days reduced the symptoms of colitis caused by DSS, including reduction
of the disease activity index and alleviation of colonic tissue damage.
In addition, DOP downregulated the expression of key proteins of the
TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the production of inflammatory
cytokines. Furthermore, DOP could enhance the expression of tight
junction proteins including ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 to restore
intestinal mucosal barrier function. DOP also effectively regulates
disordered intestinal flora and enhances the production of short-chain
fatty acids, which is also beneficial in modulating gut internal environmental
homeostasis, inhibiting inflammation, and restoring the intestinal
barrier. These findings indicated that DOP can ameliorate DSS-induced
chronic colitis by regulating gut microbiota, intestinal barrier,
and inflammation, and it is a promising ingredient from D. officinale.