Tripartium extract improves DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by modulating the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota

Ulcerative colitis is a complex chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the pathogenesis of which is closely associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, host metabolic disorders, and impaired intestinal barrier function. Panax notoginseng, a traditional Chinese medicine, possesses various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects, but its specific mechanisms in treating UC remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of Panax notoginseng extract on ulcerative colitis and its underlying mechanisms. A dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC model in ICR mice was established and divided into a control group, a model group, and a Panax notoginseng intervention group. The intervention group was orally administered 200 mg/kg of Panax notoginseng extract. Disease activity index, colonic histopathology, intestinal barrier proteins, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolomics were evaluated.