Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Litsea cubeba Essential Oil in Alleviating Intestinal Inflammation: Insights from LPS-Induced Experimental Models

Inflammation is a complex physiological response that plays a crucial role in the body's defense against pathogens. However, excessive or uncontrolled inflammation can lead to various diseases and adverse health outcomes. Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) have been associated with gut inflammatory conditions by disrupting the intestinal barrier and promoting inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) on LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and the gut microbiome. Our findings demonstrate that LCEO treatment alleviates gut inflammation and suggests its potential as a therapeutic agent for intestinal inflammation. Moreover, we identified citral, the main natural compound in LCEO, as a potential anti-inflammatory agent through its modulation of key inflammatory factors. Additionally, our analysis revealed significant differences in the microbial composition of fecal samples and intestinal contents, indicating the impact of essential oils on the gut microbiota. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic role of LCEO and highlight the importance of understanding the gut microbiome in the context of inflammatory conditions.