The Beneficial Effect of Vanillic Acid on Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Vanillic acid, an oxidized form of vanillin, is a benzoic acid derivative used as a flavoring agent. The objective of this study was to determine whether vanillic acid has beneficial effects against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis. Our results showed that vanillic acid reduced the severity of the clinical signs of DSS-induced colitis, including weight loss and shortening of colon length, and the disease activity index. The results of this study showed that vanillic acid significantly suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and the activation of transcription nuclear factor-κB p65 in DSS-treated colon tissues. In addition, we observed that the plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6 were higher in the DSS-treated group than in the control group, but these increased levels were reduced by the administration of vanillic acid. Taken together, these findings suggest that vanillic acid has a beneficial effect on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, thereby indicating its usefulness in the regulation of chronic intestinal inflammation.

Gastroprotective Effect of Vanillin on Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats: Protective Pathways and Anti-Secretory Mechanism

“…Previous studies also noted vanillin's anti-inflammatory property [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. Moreover it was proved that also vanillic acid regulated ulcerative colitis via inhibition NF-κB p65 activation and reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines production; IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α [33].…”

Metabolomic profiling of the phytomedicinal constituents of Carica papaya L. leaves and seeds by 1H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analysis

“…A further series of enzymatic hydroxylations and methylations leads to coumarate and caffeate with known antioxidant and anticancer properties [48,49]. Caffeic acid leads to the synthesis of vanillic acid, which was found useful in the regulation of chronic intestinal inflammation [50]. Another metabolite identified was quinate, and quinic acid derivatives have also been reported to have antioxidant properties [51].…”

Biological activities of lignin hydrolysate-related compounds

“…The cardioprotective effect of vanillic acid has also been demonstrated where, due to an increased scavenging of free radicals by vanillic acid during isoproterenol metabolism, there is a decreases in lipid production, lipoproteins are better maintained and apoptosis in the myocardium is prevent (50). Another study determined the beneficial effects of vanillic acid on ulcerative colitis (53). The administration of vanillic acid showed significant change in physiological characteristics of the mice, including weight loss and gene expression patterns.…”