Pectin from comfrey roots alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice through modulating the intestinal barrier

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.), which belongs to Boraginaceae family, is a drought-resistant and fast growing perennial herb. It is rich in minerals and protein, which has the advantages of high yield and long utilization period. Comfrey roots are well developed and contain a variety of active ingredients such as allantoin, polysaccharides, phenolic acids, triterpenes, tannins, and alkaloids. It has been widely recognized for using to accelerate wound healing, treat joint deformations, and resist inflammatory . At present, there are no relevant reports on the research of comfrey root pectin (CRP). Therefore, the systematic study on the extraction, purification and anti-inflammatory activity of comfrey pectin is of great significance for the development and utilization of comfrey. In this study, response surface method (RSM) was utilized to optimize the extraction conditions of CRP, and column chromatography was utilized to isolate and purify CRP. In addition, the UC model of mice was induced by sodium dextran sulfate (DSS). The disease activity index (DAI), colon barrier function, and intestinal microflora were evaluated study the remission effect of CRP on UC mice.