Effects of Huzhangoside C on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Stimulated Colitis in Mice.

Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for cancer. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, ultimately leading to a breakdown of intestinal barrier function. is a folk prescription used to treat inflammation and rheumatism in She pharmacy. The bioactivity of is primarily due to triterpene saponins. Huzhangoside C (HZ) is an active component of In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of HZ on a mouse colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was investigated. Result indicated a notable reduction in body weight loss and colon length shortening in HZ-mediated mice compared to DSS-stimulated control mice. Furthermore, inflammatory signaling mechanisms involving interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor- were suppressed in HZ-treated mice. HZ treatment significantly suppressed the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-B), STAT3, and iNOS in colon tissue. After HZ treatment, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were significantly decreased, while Nrf-2, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione expression levels were notably improved. The result indicated that HZ could activate the Nrf-2 signal cascade, inhibit the expression of NF-B, eNOS, and STAT3, and enhance the intestinal barrier function of DSS stimulated ulcerative colitis intestinal injury. The results suggest that HZ is potential anti-inflammatory agent for treating IBD.