Protective Effects of Different Molecular Weights of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Aqueous Extract on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Abstract

Purslane, a common wild vegetable, contains active substances with various biological functions. However, its effects have been under-investigated in ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, this study investigated the therapeutic effects of purslane macromolecular (POEM) and small molecular extracts (POES) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Membrane separation was used to obtain extracts of different molecular weights, and their compositional differences were compared using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS). POEM contained more proteins and polysaccharides, whereas POES contained more organic acids and alkaloids. These differences in composition were directly responsible for the different degrees of remission of the alleviated UC in model mice. POEM may alleviate UC by regulating the antioxidant capacity and the gut microbiota, whereas the major alleviatory effect of POES was primarily related to the regulation of antioxidant capacity. The POEM and POES effects identified in this study provide a theoretical basis for the development of purslane as a functional food.

Whey Protein Hydrolysate Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects to Alleviate Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS)-Induced Colitis via Microbiome Restoration

“…Studies have shown that SCFAs can exert anti-inflammatory effects by regulating immune cell function and cytokine secretion and can also prevent colon carcinogenesis [37]. Conversely, LPS can exacerbate inflammatory responses and oxidative stress and affect intestinal barrier function [38]. This study found that WPH intervention could rescue the reduction in the level of SCFAs induced by DSS and increase the level of LPS, and the effect was more pronounced with high doses of WPH.…”